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