Software Piracy: Let the Buyer Beware
Visitors Since
October 15, 2001.
Past Articles
* Computer Security
* Foreign Espionage
* Industrial Espionage
* Personal Security
* Personnel Security
* Physical Security
* Security Management
Other Security Links
E-Mail Us
* ASIS
* NCMS
* VSAC
* Webmaster
We join with those who mourn the loss of life, the injuries, and the disruption of lives caused by the attacks against Washington, DC, and New York, N.Y. All those effected -- the brave people who helped in rescue efforts, those involved in America's response to terror and in the war with Iraq-- are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Aerospace Corporation
Vandenberg AFB, CA
Usually people think about software piracy as an intentional act. Someone “borrows” disks from a friend or work place and copies them for personal use. However, computer buyers may be unknowingly buying their new Macs, 486s, and Pentiums with illegal software!
As a way to compete with direct mail and computer superstores, some small computer stores are loading illegal copies of software onto computers they sell. They do no furnish publishers’ manuals, and the program disks--if any are provided--are locally produced duplicates. The added software provides an incentive for the buyers, who may not be aware they do not legally own the software.
Until recently, commercial software always came with a printed manual and usually came with a registration card. A few programs on CD-ROM are experimenting with on-line documentation. However, since the CD-ROM cannot be copies easily like programs sold on 5.25” and 3.5” disks, it is easy to prove legitimate ownership of the software.
What should you, the computer buyers, do? Exercise caution. Do not accept a computer without manuals and disks (CD-ROM or floppy) from the manufacturer. If the seller does not offer them to you, either demand them or buy some place more reputable.
[Webmaster's note: this article was originally written in November 1994 for the VSAC News.]