Yes, I will shamelessly admit it: I use mostly pirated and counterfeit software. If not for anything else, for two very simple facts:
1. Everyone needs software
2. Not everyone can afford original software
In fact, the only reason I have a Genuine Microsoft Windows, genuine AntiVirus from Symantec and other genuine junk I never use is because they kind of came along with my laptop. I figured, now that I have some original software to begin with, let’s kick the piracy bucket and turn over a new leaf. So I went to purchase my obsession: Need for Speed: Underground2.
The man behind the counter gave me a confused look, almost like something we’d give a pitiable mad man, as he pulled out the package with the price tag of Rs1,700.
For 2 CDs, a booklet containing some cheats and a cardboard box. 1,700 bucks.
Needless to say, I simply walked out into
And if you thought that was bad, check out a few more:
Microsoft Window Vista Home Premium is priced at Rs.22,500
Microsoft Office 2007 Standard Edition is priced at Rs.14,500
Now, I agree that it must’ve taken those folks a lot of time and money to develop all this, but then what’s the point in putting a price tag that most people will just laugh at.
And the other thing I don’t see why software manufacturers don’t understand is, what advantage do they provide to people who buy and use original software over those who don’t? I mean, if you use a counterfeit hardware product, you get cheap quality; but with software it’s virtually the same!
And NO, I DO NOT agree with Microsoft’s scary claim that “counterfeit software can have critical bits of code missing which can compromise the security of your infrastructure”
Boy, that’s a good one! Apparently some “bits of code” get left out when you copy a CD! We believe it!
But one thing I’d appreciate Microsoft for is the Genuine Software Advantage which gives you special upgrades like Internet Explorer 7 and Media Player 11 (both of which install only on Genuine Windows), not to mention Windows Live Updates and Security Center for original software.
And unless other manufacturers do something like this too, pirated software will thrive. And I for one, will continue to swear by it!
