Effects of Software Piracy When software is pirated, consumers, software developers, and resellers are harmed. Software piracy increases risk consumer's computers will be corrupted by defective software and infected with viruses. Those who provide defective and illegal software do not tend to provide sales and technical support. Pirated software usually has inadequate documentation, which prevents consumers from enjoying full benefits of software package. In addition, consumers are unable to take advantage of technical support and product upgrades, which are typically available to legitimate registered users of software. Pirated software can cost consumers lost time and more money.

Developers lose revenue from pirated software, from current products as well as from future programs. When software is sold most developers invest a portion of revenue into future development and better software packages. When software is pirated, software developers lose revenue from sale of their products, which hinders development of new software and stifles growth of software company.

Kinds of Piracy End User Piracy - Using multiple copies of a single software package on several different systems or distributing registered or licensed copies of software to others. Another common form of end user piracy is when a cracked version of software is used. Hacking into software and disabling copy protection, or illegally generating key codes that unlocks trial version making software a registered version creates a cracked version.

By Sharon Housley

Parents are constantly struggling with ways to keep their children safe online. The Internet has a global reach and at this point no bounds, or limitations. Outside of installing filtering software children should be educated in order to protect themselves to this virtual monster. We've put together a collection of ten tips that should be observed while surfing online. At very least these tips will prompt family discussions regarding safety.

1.) When on internet personal information should be kept private. Just because someone asks doesn't mean you need to tell them. When someone asks for personal information, consider how they might use that information and whether it is necessary for them to have it.

2.) If you are conversing with someone online, don't assume that they are being honest with you. Just because they say they're 16 doesn't mean they are.

3.) Do not release your password to anyone, even if they say they are from your online provider.