Pirates Suck

[gunslinger]

Ah. Big difference there. You have no idea if those folks CHOSE to be illegal originally, or were the victim of an unethical tech. If a victim, much more understandable why they would not want to throw another $150.00 into an already depreciated computer for very little "apparent" benefit to them. But the basic premise still applies: Those same folks now wouldn't pay that $50.00 for a legal copy of Windows, since they've had "free" usage now.

You could test that premise without bending the rules too far, by offering a $50.00 copy of Windows to the next Dell that walks through the door with an illegal install. Since a Dell CD on a Dell machine is legal without numbers, it would work, and activate. I'm not specifically recommending that you do this, but I bet you wouldn't get many takers.

Rick

I actually may try that.

 

[KompuKare]

No doubt the programmers need to make a living. But guess what? The programmers at Microsoft and Adobe (examples) get paid by the hour, not by the product. They will make the same amount if Microsoft sells 5 million copies or 15million copies.

Actually, Microsoft aren't the wonderful employer people might imagine. I've heard horror stories but them and their treatment of contract programmers. You'd sort of think that programming is hard to do on contract, but:
1) Microsoft are well known for bloatware.
2) Microsoft's development tools are actually rather good. But that is a double-edged sword since rather than encouraging better programming, Microsoft's tools actually empower management since good object-orientated languages and IDEs make all but the more technical programmers (kernels etc.) easily replaceable.

Regarding piracy. The thing is that Windows really is far too expensive. Would a reasonable price eliminate all piracy? Of course not! However, as pointed out earlier the current situation is great for the likes of Dell but not for techs :-( I for one actually like building PCs for people but since I can't buy Windows for £15 like Dell it doesn't make sense for me to do so.

On hopeful sign is that with consoles (including the Xbox360) destroying the PC gaming market, Windows Games / DirectX will be one less reason for people not to chose Linux. And for web browsing and office work, Linux is pretty good - and much more virus proof (although that might mean our bread and butter...)

So thank you for that console manufactures. Microsoft finally killing Windows' gaming crown is kind of ironic

 

[Ccomp5950]

Subject: Pirates Suck

I like Ninjas.FILLERFILLERFILLER

 

[SnoSalmon]

I like Ninjas.FILLERFILLERFILLER

Ah but pirates have wenches...

 

[totalPCTechs]

MAC OS X is only about $30 for the upgrade n people still pirate it. I usually tell a reason or two why ppl should stay genuine and they don't think twice, especially home business clients. Thee problem is most people in my area charge retail prices for bootleg prices. I myself will report if the problem is severe. Or my favorite...if I customer comes in from another location with counteriet software ill advise them to report them or do everyone else a favor by giving them a Google review. And it works lol. Kinda cruel but I work hard to do what I do and will not let someone who pirates try to challenge me.

Sent from my Android Thunderbolt.

 

[Chaucer498]

Start by filing a complaint with eBay and both sellers and demand your money back. Threatening to call the authorities might help your cause here. Then leave bad feedback about them on eBay. If you paid through Paypal you can try to get your money back through Paypal. Wait till after you get your money THEN go ahead and report them to the proper authorities even if you said, 'Give me my money or I'm gonna call the law.' and they do return your money go ahead and report them. They lied to you so why not return the favor.
Your customers computers should have valid windows keys somewhere on the case. Use your disk and their key to install the os. If your disk and their keys are different versions then go ahead and download the correct version from the net. Good luck finding legit dl's from MS. If you do then please send me the links.
You can find torrents of most OS versions if you look hard enough. Remember it's the keys not the software that MS is selling. They don't care where you get the genuine software as long as you pay for the keys. Look for the ones that say they don't come with a key (or look in the comments left by other people who downloaded it for complaints that it doesn't come with a key). Scan it THOROUGHLY with AV software. Some may not come with a key but may have a keygen program. You can most likely use the software and the customer key and just delete the keygen.
I am very interested in finding legit sources to download the various versions of vista and 7 without keys so if any has a link it would be much appreciated. (some kind soul hooked me up with an 'all xp' version disk that I've yet to try)

Trying to 'downgrade' to a non-legit copy of windows is, in my opinion, a foolish waste of time.

This is apparently a very tender subject with some and I fully expect to get slammed for my thoughts on it.

I'm not slamming you, because I too agree that M$ is out of control, and that if they "support" the software than they should also SELL it. However, according to M$ your statement is not exactly accurate.

For example, if a customer comes into the shop with a Dell/HP computer with a CoA on the side, but NO restore discs, you are "legally" (according to M$) not allowed to install off your own OEM disc.

You are to inform the customer that 1. He needs to supply you with the original media. 2. If the customer lost the disc he is to contact Dell/HP for a replacement which will cost him approx. 50 bucks. 3. If the manu no longer has the disc for a legacy OS than you contact M$. At this point you will be referred to the downgrade option via buying a Windows 7 pro or Ultimate.

The media is very much also locked into the computer as well as the keys. If you built 10 PCs and installed OEM version of Windows and gave each customer legal OEM keys and did not include the original media along with the PCs when you sold them...your in trouble.

By the way, I don't agree with the above model. I feel that it pretty much renders techs useless in the eyes of their customers. Technically, a monkey can pop in a manu restore disc and click away and follow the 95% automated task. The real reason the client is seeking the assistance of a professional is because that automation is now lost with the media and they require assistance from a professional tech that has the tools and resources to get a functional copy of Windows back onto their machine with their original CoA.

 

[Eric_whitbypc]

penguins are better than pirates!

 

[gunslinger]

You can basically pirate what ever you like, as long as you don't run a business or sell the pirated software you will most likely be fine. The exception to that would be the half dozen or so people the RIAA makes examples of every once in in a while.


I have very different views on pirating than most techs. I'm betting 99.999% of the techs who argue against "stealing" software have pirated music at some point or made copies of a DVD or recorded a PPV to watch with friends. Its a double standard.

 

[ahmadumair]

you guys are in a much better position.....but my country ...it is DOOMED

Guys i have read this post and read all the argument on eradicating piracy and cursing Microsoft(which in my opinion is a very good thing to do!)

<rant>
But let me tell you this........in the western countries piracy is about 40% you say.............in my country Pakistan.(yes! P.a.k.i.s..t..a..n) a clerk gets approx Rs.8500 (approx $100).........how is he supposed to buy a legit copy of windows when the price exceeds his OWN SALARY??And let me tell you.......none of socalled "techs" who own a shop know about linux. So what do you think that guy will do ........................obviously he will turn to piracy............and then no shop (except maybe 4 or 5) DO OFFER legit copies.....the pirated copies cost only Rs.35 (approx $0.40)...it is the obvious choice. You talk about piracy in your countries.... have a look at mine

</rant>

 

[Eric_whitbypc]

i agree with you mate, i do think the m$ software is overpriced for home users, but i would say i am a fan of the server side of their software. IMO that is worth the money, but would it cut down on piracy if they lowered the prices in line with most other vendors (average software costs £20-45)
personally i used to download loads of films and music about 10 years ago but i stopped once the prices of dvd's dropped! didnt see the point if i waited a few months, asda (walmart) discount them down to £3-4 and i'd just buy them, didnt see the point of paying an extra £10 just to watch a film quicker!
in the same token i also have customers who come in with pirated office/windows who have been to another retailer and paid for them (£30 for windows / £25 for office) and say things like how can you justify charging £100 for windows and £90 of office, i got both for £55 (as they wave their printed cd's with hand written licenses on them!)
'because mine are legal copies and those arent' doesnt seem to bother then, they just think you're trying to rip them off!

 

[Galdorf]

I have had this happen with a supplier i had in Markam just outside of Toronto they were selling counterfeit microsoft products XP,Office,mice, keyboards ect. in the beginning stuff was legit then they hired a new buyer and all of a sudden i noticed the stuff we were getting was not called RCMP they investigated and closed the place down but we were out about 3000 dollars and gave stuff to them as evidence.

 

[sct]

If all else fails talk to them install Linux Mint they will love it and move on. Unless they just want Windows for some reason. All they will do is play slides with the machine and some music.

 

[brooksamanda89]

Will Microsoft reimburse you? No, Why because Microsoft would straight away say that you should have been careful from such frauds, it’s not their fault and they are not responsible. If you bought it from eBay, you must lodge a complaint to them, they may not reimburse but I have heard that they get the product for free in case of such cases.

 

[Xander]

Will Microsoft reimburse you? No, Why because Microsoft would straight away say that you should have been careful from such frauds, it’s not their fault and they are not responsible.

It sounds like you're implying that MS should reimburse. If I unknowingly bought an ipad clone, I wouldn't even consider looking to Apple for cash.

 

[Craven_Morehead]

Will Microsoft reimburse you? No, Why because Microsoft would straight away say that you should have been careful from such frauds, it’s not their fault and they are not responsible. If you bought it from eBay, you must lodge a complaint to them, they may not reimburse but I have heard that they get the product for free in case of such cases.

Makes sense that they wouldn't reimburse you. If you buy a pirated copy off an ebay listing claiming it's legit, I honestly don't see why Microsoft should give you anything. You take risks with ebay.

Buy windows from a legit "retailer" then you wouldn't have a problem.

 

[marianoemilio]

Here in the Philippines almost every Microsoft software are pirated. You cannot blame
any one because the genuine software are so much expensive.

 

[JAG Computers]

Here in the Philippines almost every Microsoft software are pirated. You cannot blame
any one because the genuine software are so much expensive.

Actually, I can blame those who pirate. Everyone will always have the ability to choose for themselves and those who pirate make their choice.

Expensive? Yes. Required to use it? No. If I had a customer that balked at the price I would then introduce them to something like Ubuntu. It will serve all the needs of the average end-user.

 

[Jsch38]

Have seen this before.

I suggest telling the customer that have priated copies of Win XP, Suggest they install WIn 7 and save the customer some money by installing Open Office. Painful news for the customer, however quality customer service always brings back a customer. If cost is an issue agree to a customer payment plan.

 

[marianoemilio]

Actually, I can blame those who pirate. Everyone will always have the ability to choose for themselves and those who pirate make their choice.

Expensive? Yes. Required to use it? No. If I had a customer that balked at the price I would then introduce them to something like Ubuntu. It will serve all the needs of the average end-user.

They don't know how to operate in the Linux environment. No one uses Linux here. They are familiar with the Windows environment.

 

[dipper]

They don't know how to operate in the Linux environment. No one uses Linux here. They are familiar with the Windows environment.

Precisely. I don't know how techs can come on here and tell others to install some flavour of Linux onto a end users computer.

Yes Linux may be ideal for customers but because it looks different and runs different software most clients will be stumped and won't know how to use it.