Simply possessing pirated software could land you in serious legal trouble.
- Pirated Software Cases
- How To Identify Pirated Software Download
- Download Pirated Software
- How To Identify Pirated Software Freeware
The fine for every incident of title infringement is up to $100,000 and possible jail time. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and neither is unknowingly purchasing pirated software.
- Download Serials from Popular Software. Before you move on to the list dealing with the ideal pirated software download sites, be careful in ensuring that you do not download from Pirate Bay. Yes, it’s true that this is a handy resource where you’ll find all kinds of software torrents, from obscure apps to the most pirated software 2017.
- The following pirate sites were offering my ebook on the very first search web page. I didn’t bother looking any further. Please note that I have not added links to these ebook piracy sites because I refuse to give these book pirates any traffic. On top of that, going to these sites can risk getting a computer virus.
- Windows 10 can find pirated software on your PC and stop you using it USERS who upgrade to Windows 10 face new rules on illegal downloads. By David Sneling. PUBLISHED: 10:29, Mon, Aug 17, 2015.
The United States, Japan, and Western Europe—pirated software can be found on one in every five PCs. Even more alarming is the increase in global economic losses from software piracy, which amounts to a staggering US$53 billion annually.6 The good news is that even an incremental reduction in software piracy can have dramatic. If someone offers you a hot new release in a basic jewel case, then you are right to suspect that you are looking at a pirated copy of the movie. The same is true of software. If the packaging is generic (or just plain missing), then you should question the purchase.
The best way to protect yourself is to deal with legitimate, reputable vendors. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself when purchasing software through other sources.
If it Sounds too Good to be True…
It probably is a scam if the price simply sounds too good to be true. Rosetta Stone software, for example, costs more than $400 for most programs. Anyone offering this software for $50 or $100 is probably selling pirated goods. Watch out for deals that simply sound too amazing, and avoid them to stay safe and legal.
Lengthy Explanations are Suspicious
Like a wayward child coming home after curfew with a long story, detailed explanations of how a company is legal should be treated with suspicion. A reputable vendor with a solid reputation doesn’t need a page dedicated to making you believe that they are trustworthy. Be wary of any agency that dedicates valuable space on their site to convincing you that they are legitimate.
Pirated Software Cases
Special Instructions are a Red Flag
Most software comes with special activation codes. Those codes are important, and you aren’t getting the full benefit of the software without them. If you are offered software that requires you to go through a special procedure to get it working, then you are probably dealing with a hacker. Keep looking for another offer to avoid legal problems.
OEM, NFR, Academic
There are special versions of software available for different purposes. OEM software is provided with new computer systems or hardware, so you should be wary of software with this label. NFR indicates that the software is not for resale. Designed for evaluation and beta testing, this software is not meant to be sold for profit at any point. Academic versions are extremely affordable, but they are only available to a select group. Usually found on college campuses or through education sites, they are only available to students, teachers, and faculty members of educational facilities.
Official Packaging
If someone offers you a hot new release in a basic jewel case, then you are right to suspect that you are looking at a pirated copy of the movie. The same is true of software. If the packaging is generic (or just plain missing), then you should question the purchase. Plain jewel cases with no instructions, no activation code, and handwritten information are bootleg copies.
CDs Only
When looking at software online, read the description carefully. Legitimate software comes with directions, instruction manuals, activation codes, and official packaging. Descriptions that claim they are a full version but warn that you will only receive CDS are usually illegal copies.
Internet Warning Signs
Most reputable software sellers developed an online presence years ago. Be wary of any seller who has not been online very long. New sellers should be treated with suspicion and possibly avoided. Companies that do not provide a full street address and phone number are also suspicious. If the domain name is a series of numbers rather than an actual name, then you should look for another seller. Reputable companies will also offer warranties or a refund period, so you should be wary of anyone who does not stand behind the products they are selling. Finally, if the seller states that the software cannot be registered, you should save your money and keep looking for another deal.
Pirates abound and they are anxious to take your hard earned money while saddling you with an illegal copy of software. In addition to breaking the law, you are also taking a chance that the software won’t work, is incomplete, or has a virus that will harm your system.
Reporting pirated software is easily done with the help of the Internet.
Sites like Adobe, Corel, Macromedia, and Microsoft all have anti-piracy information and details on how you can report piracy and help put a stop to this detrimental activity.
Michelle Barbour is a freelance writer who blogs about technology. For a free, legal download, check out 7zip download for your open source file archiving needs.
Just this month a man in Michigan was arraigned in federal court. He has been charged with selling counterfeit copies of both Windows XP Professional and Office 2003 Professional via eBay.
Here is a Microsoft post about making sure your software is not a pirate copy:
Pirated software is counterfeit software that cybercriminals illegally copy and sell. They sell it to unsuspecting individuals via the Internet, at some low-price retail outlets, and sometimes from people selling wares on the street.
Pirated software can put your computer and your personal data at risk
Only computers with genuine Microsoft software can get important software updates needed to operate reliably and protect from malware often found in counterfeit software. Also, pirated software often contains viruses, spyware, and scams that can cause a loss of data, a corrupted system, and even identity theft.
Genuine software provides access to security updates and products
You will be asked to validate your copy of Windows if you want to get updates from Microsoft Update or Windows Update.
You also will be asked to validate your copy of Windows if you request a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center.
Software you can get with genuine copies of Microsoft Windows includes:
Microsoft Security Essentials: Free software that helps protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Internet Explorer 9: The newest version of the Microsoft web browser helps protect against phishing scams and other fraud that can lead to identity theft.
How to validate your copy of Windows or Microsoft Office
Validate your copy of Windows or Microsoft Office on the Windows Genuine website.
The validation only takes a few minutes, and once you’ve completed it, you can download Microsoft software more quickly in the future. You will also have access to updates that can help protect your computer.
How to identify genuine Microsoft software
How To Identify Pirated Software Download
One way you can usually identify genuine Microsoft software is by making sure it has the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label. A COA is not a software license—it is a visual identifier that helps you determine whether or not the Microsoft software you are purchasing is genuine. Without it you will not have a legal license to run Microsoft software.
A typical COA looks like this:
See What is a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA)? for more information.
What does pirated software look like?
Download Pirated Software
Pirated software often looks authentic and is sometimes distributed in packaging that imitates the original manufacturer’s packaging. Head over to this Microsoft page for more details on what to look for.
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How To Identify Pirated Software Freeware
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