Just last week, we found out about a Treasure Valley computer dealer that sold over $10,000.00 worth of computer systems and software to a Boise business.  The computer systems were all represented as new with legal operating systems and software.  As it turns out, none of it was true.  The Microsoft Windows operating systems, along with the Microsoft Office software installed, were illegal copies using hacked keycodes.  The computers themselves had used hardware installed inside, even though they were sold as new.

The ramifications of this have the potential to be horrific.  Both the seller and end-user are put at significant risk by using pirated software.  The seller is subject not only to fines but possibly jail time.  Unfortunately, the end-user, even though they were the victim, can also be placed at risk.  Even if they are unaware that they are using pirated software, they are still responsible for becoming compliant.  This means that all the costs associated with bringing their systems into legal compliance will have to be their responsibility.  If the seller won’t make good on the systems, the buyer will have to pay, in this particular case thousands of dollars, to purchase and reconfigure legitimate software for their systems.  If the buyer does not come into compliance, they can be subject to tens of thousands of dollars in fines for using pirated software.

In order to avoid this, businesses need to be very aware of who they are purchasing computer equipment from.  While we always encourage buyers to shop locally, it’s important that consumers know how to spot legitimate systems.  All new and used systems coming from either system builders or refurbishers, that have a Microsoft operating system installed, must have a Microsoft COA (Certificate of Authority) sticker attached to the case.  The COA will have the Windows keycode imprinted on it.   If Microsoft Office is installed, it should also have it’s own separate keycode, which usually is not attached to the case, but should be in either the Office disk case, or imprinted on a separate card from Microsoft.

For more information on making sure you are getting genuine software, please visit the following websites:

COA and Hologram:

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/antipiracy/pages/COA_hologram.aspx

Software Piracy:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/

Learn more about genuine Windows and Office:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Report Piracy:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/default.aspx