SOFTWARE PIRACY
What is software piracy?
Software piracy is also known as copyright infringement of software.
It is when someone creates a copy of a CD of a certain software such as an
application or game and sells it. It can also be when a copy of an existing copy
of software is distributed throughout the web for any one who has acess to it to use it.
In this case users can illegally download software when it is original obtained via purchase at
a store. In this case 'pirate' copies are used by users illegally as they have not paid for the software.
However when a user copies software as a back up this does not fall under software piracy as the owner has a right to keep a back up.
Also in some cases when a user copies a software and gives to a friend and no charge, this can also be allowed, but only in some jurisdictions.
There can be dire legal and finacial penalties associated with software piracy. Illegal distribution and use of software can result in prison terms of up to five
years. They can also be charged with felony and be charged with fines up to us$250,000 in civil litigation.
The types of software pirated:
- Microsoft products such as microsoft word and operating systems (OS)
- Computer games
- Applications such as adobe photoshop
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_piracy
Link to microsft The microsoft site for more information on software piracy
Link to the types of software piracy