Avoiding the Pitfalls
Ten ways to avoid buying pirate software:
- Buy only from reputable dealers
- Get a written quote listing hardware/software specification and version
- Make sure you get an itemised invoice giving details of all hardware and software supplied
- Make sure you get software licenses in electronic or paper format - these are important
- Read the terms and conditions of the licence
- Once you have bought your hardware do not allow dealers to install software onto your computer without them providing licenses, etc
- Remember even Shareware usually must be deleted or purchased after the initial evaluation period
- If possible buy from a dealer recommended by the publisher
- Make sure that you understand that "bundled" software may come pre-installed on your computer and you may not receive the media
- If in doubt ask for help from the publisher or The Federation
Beware if:
- There are no relevant software licence documents
- The artwork on the media and packaging looks unprofessional
- There are somebody else's details on the registration screens
- The dealer is refusing to give you product the ID/ Serial number
- The software is being sold for a much lower price than it should be