ANTI  PIRACY

    Software is one of the most valuable technologies of the Information Age, running everything from PCs to the Internet. Because software is so valuable and because it is easy to create an exact copy of a software program, software piracy is widespread. From individual computer users to professionals who deal full time in distributing stolen software, piracy exists in homes, schools, businesses and government. Software pirates not only steal from the companies that make the software, but with less money for research and development of new software, all users are hurt. That’s why all software piracy — even one copy – you make for a friend — is illegal.

    As the number of PCs and Internet use grow, the incidence of software piracy is growing, too. The Business Software Alliance. ISODA believes new technologies should enhance ways to access and distribute copyrighted works legally, not illegally.

    Types of Piracy

    Generally we see five common types of software Piracy. Its best we understand each – which will help us avoid liabilities associated with use of illegal software.

    End User Piracy :

    This is caused by internal resources / employees by ways of unauthorized reproduction of the copy of a software

    • Pirate websites that make software available for free download or in exchange for uploaded programs (many a times with deadly Trojans or Viruses);
    • Internet auction sites that offer counterfeit, out-of-channel, infringing copyright software;
    • Peer-to-Peer networks that enable unauthorized transfer of copyrighted programs.

    Hard-Disk Loading :

    This occurs when a business who sells new computers loads illegal copies of software onto the hard disks to make the purchase of the machines more attractive.

    Software Counterfeiting :

    This type of piracy is the illegal duplication and sale of copyrighted material with the intent of directly imitating the copyrighted product.