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There's no harm in using illegal software is there? After all, the companies that develop the software in the first place are immensely wealthy multi-nationals,who won't notice the odd user running a rip off programme here and there will they?
Supposing that we leave integrity out of this - even then, the previous statements aren't true - you can do harm and actually the large multinationals are fiercely aggressive in protecting their intellectual property. Aside from the fact that it's illegal, there are five other very good reasons why running dodgy software isn't worth it...
1. Buy the genuine article and you'll get genuine technical help. If an illegal programme with no license goes wrong, no reputable company will reinstall it. And the chances of it going wrong are very, very high.
2. The real deal comes with full instructions. If you want to know exactly what your software can do and use it to the fullest of it's potential you're going to need a manual. It'll take a lot longer to work it out for yourself, not a very cost effective use of your business time.
3. Want upgrades and updates? A pirate version of software will never get any better or improve from the day you buy it. With licensed software you may be entitled to ongoing improvements as the norm, it keeps paying for itself.
4. No risk to hardware from legal software. Fake software can be riddled with viruses and bugs that could bring your entire network to a standstill when installed. Is it really worth the risk?
5. Pleading ignorance if you get caught won't help. Fines can run into many thousands of pounds when it comes to illegal software - and that's per illegal copy.
So how can you spot the fakes? The top three things to remember are:
1. If it's really cheap and seems too good to be true - it probably is.
2. Would you buy a car from someone who sends you an email and is called 'Lucky Seller' or something equally as dubious?
3. Strange groupings of products on one cd - genuine competitors don't sell their products together - even if the web site seems genuine, if there is no business address or contact details - don't go there.
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