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 cannot 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 the development of new software and stifles the software company’s growth.
Kinds of Piracy
End-User Piracy –
Another common form of end-user piracy is when a cracked version of the software is used. Using multiple copies of a single software package on several different systems or distributing registered or licensed copies of the software to others. -Hacking into the software and disabling the copy protection or illegally generating key codes that unlock 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.
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Reseller piracy indicates 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 obtain a registered copy of the software illegally. 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 have hampered the software industry.
These types of software piracy have hampered the software industry. Please support and pay for software for the software industry to prosper and further develop useful software for consumers. This results in better software for all.
