Pirate Software

We suggest that anyone using Pirate (or unlicenced) Software (often known as Warez or similar) should either uninstall it or buy a legitimate copy. The excuse is often made that a user needs a copy for work. If this is the case then work should provide a legal and supported copy of the software. Free alternatives are available of many programs (For example Abiword and Star Office).

Pirate copies may not be fully functional versions and may contain viruses. Many programs contain trojans such as spyware, which tells the owners of the copyright who is using it via the internet. For example, this text is contained in the licence agreement for versions of Windows XP:

"You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may automatically check the version of the Product and/or its components that you are utilizing and may provide upgrades or fixes to the Product that will be automatically downloaded to your Workstation Computer."

A similar agreement is also supplied with the security fix with Windows Media Player.

What will be the situation when they find illegal copies of software?

A likely scenario based on what currently happens when they discover organisations using too many copies of software, is that they will document the situation for several months (possibly many) and then send an invoice to the user for purchase of the software they are using. If that doesn't get paid, then legal action will be taken.