Click Here
for more articles |
|
|
What is Software Piracy? |
by:
Sharon Housley |
There are several kinds of software piracy. The bottom line is when software is pirated,developer does not receive compensation for their work.
Effects of Software Piracy
When software is pirated, consumers, software developers, and resellers are harmed. Software piracy increasesrisk consumer's computers will be corrupted by defective software and infected with viruses. Those who provide defective and illegal software do not tend to provide sales and technical support. Pirated software usually has inadequate documentation, which prevents consumers from enjoyingfull benefits ofsoftware package. In addition, consumers are unable to take advantage of technical support and product upgrades, which are typically available to legitimate registered users ofsoftware. Pirated software can cost consumers lost time and more money.
Developers lose revenue from pirated software, from current products as well as from future programs. When software is sold most developers investportion ofrevenue into future development and better software packages. When software is pirated, software developers lose revenue fromsale of their products, which hinders development of new software and stiflesgrowth ofsoftware company.
Kinds of Piracy
End User Piracy -
Using multiple copies ofsingle software package on several different systems or distributing registered or licensed copies of software to others. Another common form of end user piracy is whencracked version ofsoftware is used. Hacking intosoftware and disablingcopy protection, or illegally generating key codes that unlockstrial version makingsoftwareregistered version createscracked version.
Reseller Piracy -
Reseller piracy occurs whenunscrupulous reseller distributes multiple copies ofsingle software package to different customers; this includes preloading systems with software without providing original manuals & diskettes. Reseller piracy also occurs when resellers knowingly sell counterfeit versions of software to unsuspecting customers.
Indications of reseller piracy are multiple users withsame serial number, lack of original documentation orincomplete set, and non-matching documentation.
Trademark/Trade Name Infringement
Infringement occurs whenindividual or dealer claims to be authorized either astechnician, support provider or reseller, or is improperly usingtrademark or trade name.
BBS/Internet Piracy -
BBS/ Internet Piracy occurs when there iselectronic transfer of copyrighted software. If system operators and/or users upload or download copyrighted software and materials onto or from bulletin boards orInternet for others to copy and use withoutproper license. Often hackers will distribute or sellhacked software or cracked keys. The developer does not receive any money forsoftwarehacker distributed. This isinfringement ondeveloper's copyright.
Another technique used by software pirates is to illegally obtainregistered copy of software. Pirates purchasesoftware once and use it on multiple computers. Purchasing software withstolen credit card is another form of software piracy. Unfortunately there are many kinds of software piracy that has hamperedsoftware industry.
These types of software piracy have hamperedsoftware industry. Forsoftware industry to prosper and further develop useful software for consumers please support and pay for software. This results in better software for all.
To Report Piracy :
Software Information Industry Association
Aboutauthor:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.netcompany specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found atwww.softwaremarketingresource.com
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
