Article 14 - Genuine Software?

Keep it Legal

I know that computer software is distinctly expensive, particularly things such as Microsoft Office. Even Windows (in its various forms) comes with a price. I have had cases where it is necessary to clean off (or replace) the hard drive and re-install Windows and all other programs which had been installed on the PC. This process usually goes reasonably smoothly – provided that the user has legal copies of the required software. So, how do you tell if your software is legal?

In the case of Windows XP, there should be a "Certificate of Authenticity" (a multicoloured sticker with holograms that has a product key printed on it) or a genuine Microsoft CD with holograms) or both. If your computer came with Windows pre-installed, then the Certificate of Authenticity (or COA) is usually attached to the PC (tower or laptop). If you want to see just what Microsoft COAs and CDs look like, just go to the Microsoft web site: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/default.mspx

Note: Some of the major players in the PC market (including Packard Bell, Dell, HP and Compaq) no longer supply CDs with a new PC (but they should always supply a COA). An extra copy of the software in included in a separate partition on the hard drive. This is fine – until the hard drive fails! In some cases, the manufacturer will supply a new set of CDs at a reasonable price, while others do not. In such cases, the documentation supplied with the PC (which I know you all study before using the new computer…….) includes a chapter on the subject of "Recovery CDs". This includes instructions on how to create your own set of recovery CDs. You are well advised to do this sooner rather than later – before disaster strikes.

Why do you need genuine software, especially when it costs so much? Most software comes with a single user licence (part of the terms and conditions we all accept without reading them), so installing the program on multiple computers is a breach of copyright. Technically speaking, using illegal copies of software is theft, with all that this implies. You can also run into other problems that mean that you are no longer able to use the program (and computer). For example, should you have to re-load Windows XP, you will be asked for the product code in order to activate Windows (and activation is required within 30 days of installation or it stops working). Microsoft will refuse to activate a product when it is also installed on another computer.

Please also note that reputable software engineers will not work with illegal copies of software. This will present you with problems should you need help to re-load your software following a disk failure or a virus attack.

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