Free Website Content - What Is Software Piracy
What is software piracy?
There are several kinds of software piracy. The bottom line
is when software is pirated, the 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 increases the
risk 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 enjoying the full benefits
of the software package. In addition, consumers are unable
to take advantage of technical support and product upgrades,
which are typically available to legitimate registered users
of the software. 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 invest a portion of the revenue
into future development and better software packages. When
software is pirated, software developers lose revenue from
the sale of their products, which hinders development of
new software and stifles the growth of the software company.
Kinds of Piracy
End User Piracy -
Using multiple copies of a single software package on several
different systems or distributing registered or licensed
copies of software to others. Another common form of end
user piracy is when a cracked version of the software is
used. Hacking into the software and disabling the copy protection,
or illegally generating key codes that unlocks the trial
version making the software a registered version creates
a cracked version.
Reseller Piracy -
Reseller piracy occurs when an unscrupulous reseller distributes
multiple copies of a single 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 with
the same serial number, lack of original documentation or
an incomplete set, and non-matching documentation.
Trademark/Trade Name Infringement
Infringement occurs when an individual or dealer claims
to be authorized either as a technician, support provider
or reseller, or is improperly using a trademark or trade
name.
BBS/Internet Piracy -
BBS/ Internet Piracy occurs when there is an electronic
transfer of copyrighted software. If system operators and/or
users upload or download copyrighted software and materials
onto or from bulletin boards or the Internet for others
to copy and use without the proper license. Often hackers
will distribute or sell the hacked software or cracked keys.
The developer does not receive any money for the software
the hacker distributed. This is an infringement on the developer's
copyright.
Another technique used by software pirates is to illegally
obtain a registered copy of software. Pirates purchase the
software once and use it on multiple computers. Purchasing
software with a stolen credit card is another form of software
piracy. Unfortunately there are many kinds of software piracy
that has hampered the software industry.
These types of software piracy have hampered the software
industry. For the software 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
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net
a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless
messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can
be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com
and http://www.small-business-software.net
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