Software Piracy
Unauthorized copying, reproduction, use, or manufacture of software product is known software piracy. Why is software piracy so prevalent? The reason is that software is so easy to duplicate and the copy is often indistinguishable from the original. Unlike other work such as audio and video tapes, there is no degeneration in quality from copy to copy. Software piracy takes many forms and below is the brief description of the common ones:
Counterfeit Software :
Unauthorised copies of software that are duplicated with the intent of directly imitating the copyrighted product. Counterfeit software is typically reproduced and distributed in a form to make the product appear legitimate and thus may include sophisticated efforts to replicate packaging, documentation, registration logos, and security features.
Compilation CDs:
Unauthorised copies of multiple software programs that are compiled onto a single CD. Compilation CDs typically include software programs published by a variety of manufacturers.
Hard Disk Loading:
Unauthorised copies of software loaded by the hardware dealer onto the hard disk of the computer and then offered to the customer for free or with a big discount for sale promotion.
Online:
Unauthorised copies of software that are downloaded via a modem to an electronic bulletin board or the Internet.
Other illegally copied software:
Software that is copied from disks, CDs or other machines, without the authorisation of the copyright owner.
Copyright violations are often due to negligence rather than intentional infringement. Therefore, an organisation wishing to prevent unauthorized copying of software must properly manage software assets, such as enforcing policy to prevent software copyright infringement as well as conducting periodic checks or audits of software installed in its PCs.
