piracy :: essays research papers

What is Piracy The term "software piracy" covers different activities: illegal copying of programs, counterfeiting and distributing software - even sharing a program with a friend. It's important to understand the different software piracy channels, not just to comply with the law but also to protect against bigger economic problems like lost revenue...and lost jobs. OEMs and Resellers Just because the disk says Microsoft or the software came preloaded on your PC, doesn't guarantee it's legal. Learn how pirated software is distributed. Copying and Counterfeiting It starts with one legitimate, licensed copy of the software, then escalates from there. Internet Piracy The sale of software over Web sites and Auction sites is common and easy, making the Internet the perfect vehicle for counterfeiters. Learn how to protect yourself now. How Piracy Impacts You Pirated software hurts everyone—from the software developers, retail storeowners, and ultimately all software users. Consumers are at Risk Pirated software directly impacts consumers because: Â · It often lacks key elements and documentation, and it always carries no warranty protection or upgrade options. Â · These untested, counterfeit discs may be infected with viruses that will damage your hard drive and may cripple your entire network. Â · If they copy software at work, users put themselves and their company at risk by pirating a product protected by copyright laws. Economic Losses When you purchase counterfeit software, you're supporting disreputable companies, not tax-paying, legitimate businesses that provide jobs and salaries to good citizens. The profits from these sales of counterfeit software don't help expand the economy by providing jobs, taxes, and wages, and there is a good chance the profits are funding additional illegitimate businesses. Legitimate companies never receive any funds from the sale of counterfeit software, and frequently this loss of revenue leads to layoffs for workers in all related industries, from manufacturers to resellers. So, as you can see, purchasing counterfeit software doesn't only impact software manufacturers, it impacts everyone. Innovation is Slowed Intellectual property is the ownership of ideas as well as the control over the tangible or virtual representation of those ideas. Software is intellectual property, as are books, movies, and music.Like music performers and authors, software developers use copyright laws to protect their work and their investment in the field. The theft of intellectual property thus eliminates the resources used to develop newer and better products. Taking Action In an effort to level the playing field for honest resellers, Microsoft is taking legal actions against repeat offenders.