Computer Software Piracy

Software Piracy The term "software piracy" covers several different activities which include, illegal copying of programs, counterfeiting and distributing software, even sharing a program with a friend. It's important to understand the different ways software is pirated, not just to comply with the law but to protect yourself and your computer. Two of the most common forms of software piracy are end-user copying and counterfeiting. End-user copying is simply unlicensed copying of software. End-user copying …

…examine the product for physical warnings on the hardware, or see the retailer. "An estimated 2 million Web pages offer, link to, or otherwise reference "warez" software - the Internet code word for pirated software. An estimated 280,000 Web pages reference "appz", another term for pirated application programs. A recent investigation indicates that more than 60% of software sold through Internet auction sites is counterfeit and more than 90% is sold in violation of the publisher's license agreement."(Microsoft)