Are you Protected?

It’s true. Pirated software can actually harm your computer. However, there are three hints that can help protect your computer from the viruses that manifest themselves throughout the pirated software. (These examples are directed towards pirated Microsoft retail software.) So, how do you know if it’s a fake?

Hint Number One:

“A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps you identify genuine software. COA isn’t a software license, but rather an identifier that helps in determining whether or not the Microsoft software you are running is genuine.”



The label underneath Microsoft is the COA to look for when purchasing retail software.

Having a COA on your product means that your software isn’t pirated and infected with viruses. When you see this, now you know that it’s real.

Hint Number Two:

“Counterfeit software is the result of unauthorized copying, reproduction, or manufacture of software products. Counterfeit software often looks authentic and is sometimes distributed in packaging that imitates the original manufacturer's packaging.”

How do you know it’s a fake? Well, knowing that it’s too good to be true can be another hint. If you know that it should be pricier, and it comes across as an unbelievable deal, then you have to know that something is up.


This is an example of a pirated XBOX game, Mission Impossible. This game can ultimately destroy your game system, leaving you with a broken XBOX. Now that’s not fun is it?

Hint Number Three:

Another way to know if you software is pirated is if the product activation code doesn’t work. It takes only three steps to activate your software.

1. Select an activation method (internet or phone)
2. Microsoft verifies the license
3. The license is confirmed and the product is activated

Make sure before you buy a product that it has an activation code on it. This will guarantee you that it is not a fake.

Well that’s basically three ways to help you know if what your buying is a fake or not.

Microsoft says, “Pirated software hurts everyone—from software developers to retail store owners, and ultimately to all software users. Furthermore, the illegal duplication and distribution of software has a significant impact on the economy.” I believe that this is true because eventually if people keep on pirating software, our economy will lose a lot of money. But pirated software isn’t that great anyways. Your computer begins break down by not allowing the user to download certain programs, your hardware will begin to erase, and your computer will eventually mal-function. So why do people buy pirated software? They don’t benefit from it, other than they got it for really cheap.

Sources

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/content.aspx?pg=coa&displaylang=en