Why to not use pirated Softwares

[jesse]

Whether Windows PNX, LSD, Uranium Windows, Windows Titanium, XXL Windows, Windows Trust 3, Gold, or simply a Windows XP Pro which has removed the activation process of Windows, all these versions are versions called " Pirated ".

Pirates Windows, what is it?

Users should not say they are pirating Windows, but they use a hacked version. The "pirates" from a legal operating system to change their source , there is often the following changes:

• Removal or circumvention of anti-piracy systems.
• Add / Remove components, software or utilities.
• Editing system files.

[jesse]

Why should we not use these pirated versions?

II-1 Legality and penalties:

In seeking good, you will realize quickly that LSD Windows, Windows PNX or many other versions bizarre names are not available on the website of Microsoft. And for good reason, these versions are not made by Microsoft but "manufactured" by "pirates" from a legal version of Windows!

Contrary to popular opinion and that some users may say that very naive, it is not legal to use a pirated version of Windows in the belief that your Windows license legal will be the deal. For even if Microsoft has not lost money since you paid your license, Windows is a proprietary software, no one has the right to make any changes. Some pirated versions require you to enter even literally a valid activation key, but despite that, your use of Windows is illegal.

Obviously Microsoft does not sell any license for these operating systems. However, a license is valid for one and one software. Thus, I can not use my Windows XP Pro key to activate Windows XP Home Edition, and the same, using the license of Windows XP to activate a pirated version, except that it is not distributed by Microsoft, is illegal.

Using a derivative operating system Microsoft Windows is illegal and may result in prosecution.

II-2 Support:

With a pirated version you get very little support, they are free (The Internet forums are also subject to laws) or paid (Microsoft).

Often you will be unable to perform the critical updates security. The protection system Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) limit updates Service Pack (SP not installed without a legal version), the Microsoft (download additional software or upgrades for components such as Windows Media Player ) And may warn you that your version is pirated automatically even if no upgrade software is installed.

II-3 Spyware:

The system files are modified, you may end up with a machine infested with malware before they would be served by having just installed your system! And, even with good protection maintenance (Antivirus + Firewall + Updates Security + Antispyware); the use of a hacked version, you at risk of having a completely undetectable on spyware your computer!
By modifying the system files (DLL and executable library systems), it is relatively simple for the "pirates" to integrate a spyware to be completely invisible since the operation will be regarded as normal by the system of protection from the moment where spyware has taken the place of a file vital to the system.

The possible consequences for you if spyware or a rootkit is present in a modified version of Windows are:

• Unauthorized use of your Internet connection and your IP address (other computer hacking, spreading viruses, spam and pedophiles images). As your IP address is used, you'll be held responsible.
• Espionage of all sites visited, what is typed at the keyboard (including passwords, credit card numbers, names, addresses ...). (Risk of identity theft).
• Theft of files on your hard disk.
• Spying on your screen (the attacker can see your screen)
• Espionage by webcam (you may see)

These are just some of the risks involved and they are not urban legends. All this is not only technically possible but has already been done.

II-4 Viewpoint ethics:

In addition to all the reasons mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, another reason not to use a pirated version of software is ethics. Indeed Windows (like many software) is produced and marketed by a company who lives with profits generated by his work. Although more and more people adopt an anti-Microsoft (partly due to the fact that Microsoft made considerable margins on these products, abusing his position of quasi-monopoly, the fact ....) of a pirate its products is not the solution.

[jesse]

My dealer sold me a hacked version or my version of Windows is legal, otherwise WGA

WGA is not infallible, it sometimes make mistakes.
You just have to contact Microsoft, you will be entitled to exchange your pirated version against a legal version.
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/