How to protect yourself

against piracy
 Dear reader,

Contents
Technology is at the heart of many homes and small businesses. Buying genuine,
licensed Microsoft software lets you safeguard your system, so you can be sure
that your software is reliable and that support is there when you need it.

Unsuspecting people are spending good money on potentially bad software.

If your software is pirated, you may find that the software is defective, which
can compromise the security of your PC. What is software piracy? 4
We want you to have the confidence that you are receiving genuine product and Learn about the different types of piracy and how genuine
that you know what to look for when buying genuine Microsoft products. software will benefit you

That’s why we produced this booklet, which will take you step by step through the
How to tell the difference 6
types of Piracy, how to tell the difference between genuine and pirated software,
and what to do if you suspect you have pirated software. Discover the security features that will help you spot piracy

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on the How to buy 8
Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline: 1800 63 99 63.
Top tips on buying genuine software and how this
I hope you find this booklet helpful. benefits you

Software piracy and your business 12

Steve Vamos Find out how to protect your business against software
piracy, and manage your software licenses
Managing Director
Microsoft Australia

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 What is software piracy?
Software Piracy occurs in many forms. It is important to understand the different ways SPAM email: Beware of email offering cheap software
software is pirated, not just to comply with the law but to protect yourself and your
Email has become an integral part of the way we live. But for all of the good email has done,
computer.
it has produced one troubling side-effect: SPAM.
Common types of piracy Spam email is unsolicited commercial email otherwise known as junk mail.
End user or corporate copying: When the number of copies of software installed Some illegitimate operations market their pirated products through spam email
on PCs exceeds the number of licenses held for that relevant software. advertisements. In an attempt to mask their location, they change their name and
Counterfeiting: The unauthorised use of Microsoft’s trademarks for example email addresses daily. The basic contents of the email remain the same:
reproducing Microsoft software or packaging, where buyers are deliberately “Microsoft Software Offered at Cheap Prices.”
misled into believing the product they are buying is genuine.
How will genuine software benefit you?
Hard disk loading: When a new or second-hand PC has Microsoft software
You can rely on your genuine software: With genuine software, you receive
installed but has been supplied without the original disks, Certificate of
the real product, complete and fit for the use intended – not an imitation. You
Authenticity, End User License Agreement, or the operating manual for the
know its source and can expect it to function properly.
software installed on that PC.
Support is there when you need it: Genuine software is eligible for technical
Mis-channelling: Software that has been distributed under special discount
support. If there are any problems with the product or if you need help, you can
licenses and then redistributed to others who do not qualify for these licenses.
contact Microsoft or one of its partners for the support you need.
Beware of internet piracy You have peace of mind: Genuine software provides the peace of mind that comes from
During the past few years, the use of the Internet to distribute pirated software has grown knowing that your business does not have to be concerned about audits or other legal
– threatening customers and legitimate Internet businesses. troubles associated with pirated software.
Disreputable online businesses often have such professional-looking Internet sites – even the Your reputation is safe: Using genuine software is part of maintaining a professional
most knowledgeable person can fall victim. Distinguishing pirated software on the Internet reputation among friends, customers, partners and employees.
is extremely difficult because you can’t check the product for physical warning signs or even Your genuine software is secure software: Using genuine software is an important part
see the person you’re buying from. of keeping systems secure and running smoothly, because it means continued access to the
Many people who try to buy software over the Internet never even receive the programs latest security enhancements and product updates.
they’ve ordered. Others find they are unable to get their money back if they discover that the
software is pirated.
For further information about how to purchase software safely online refer to page 10.

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 How to tell the difference
It’s easy to spot pirated software when you know how. Recognising the anti-counterfeiting
How to tell if your old Microsoft software is genuine
security features in genuine Microsoft products and looking out for them when buying
If you have previously released Microsoft software and want to make sure it is
software will help give you peace of mind and avoid the risks associated with pirated
genuine, visit www.microsoft.com.au/howtotell and follow the steps.
Microsoft products.

Look for these security features: Is your copy of Windows legal?

Did you know that if you are running either Windows XP or Windows Server 2003,
1) The Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
you can find out if your copy is genuine without even picking up the phone?
It’s easy _ just follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Windows My Computer icon

To determine whether the Microsoft software and components are genuine, look for the
Certificate of Authenticity sticker affixed to the casing of your new PC or affixed to the top
of the retail box packaging.

Step 2: Go to the Help menu

Step 3: Select Is this copy of Windows legal?

Look for the Certificate of Authenticity Look for the Certificate of Authenticity
An easy way to check
(COA) sticker on the casing of your new PC sticker on your retail box packaging
If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of your software, we recommend that you send
2) The Edge-to-Edge Holographic CD it to the Microsoft Product Identification Service. This service has been established to help
Genuine Microsoft software comes with an Edge-to-Edge Holographic you determine if your Microsoft software is genuine. To find out more about this service, visit
CD. The Edge-to-Edge Holographic CD features a three-dimensional www.microsoft.com.au/piracy/productid
holographic image over the entire surface of the CD. This holographic For more information on how to tell, visit www.microsoft.com.au/howtotell
image is part of the CD itself, not a sticker, so it’s easier to identify
genuine Microsoft software.

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 How to buy
There are a variety of ways to buy Microsoft products. Here’s a simple guide to help you
decide on the right option for you.
Remember…
• Microsoft Volume Licensing offers operating system upgrades only.
Option Ideal customers How it works Benefits Where to buy
OEM (Software Any customer OEM can only be When you Where you buy • An OEM software license is tied to the original PC on which it was installed and cannot be
pre-installed on buying a new PC acquired when purchase a new PC, new PC hardware
new PCs) buying a new make sure it comes transferred from one computer system to another.
PC. The most preinstalled with an
common OEM operating system
product licenses such as Microsoft
are operating Windows in order
system licenses to save money
(e.g. Microsoft on your software
Windows). purchases
Microsoft Office is
now also available
in an OEM version
Retail – Full Available for all Full Packaged FPP is designed Retail outlets and
Packaged Product organisations/ Product (FPP) is for low-volume Microsoft resellers Do buy your PC
(FPP) individuals, but software that is sold needs. If you have preinstalled Don’t use Volume License
suited more to as boxed product five or less PCs,
with Genuine media to install the initial
home or small at retail outlets FPP can meet your
business users with needs and can be Microsoft OEM Microsoft Windows license
less than 5 PCs acquired easily Windows on your new PC.
software.
Microsoft Volume Volume License Suited to larger Microsoft Volume Offers savings Microsoft resellers Don’t transfer OEM software
Licensing organisations with Licensing lets for now and or Microsoft Large from one computer system
Programs more than 5 PCs businesses acquire the future and Account resellers
to another.
multiple copies of minimum license (LARs)
Microsoft software requirements
under flexible
buying options.
It can really
save businesses
money in the long
term. For further
information on
the variety of ways
to access Volume
Licensing, visit:
www.microsoft.
com/australia/
licensing

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 Tips for buying software
Here are some smart tips to help you shop safely: Tips for safe Internet shopping
Be aware that not everyone is as honest as you are. Be on the look out for spam emails offering software prices that are too good to be
Pirated software is widely available. true. There is a high risk that these software titles are unauthorised or pirated.
Get full company addresses and phone numbers up front. Be cautious about offers requesting the wiring of money to foreign
Avoid doing business with companies or individuals who won’t verify their identity banking institutions.
and full business name or provide a physical street address and telephone number
Be wary of software shipping into Australia from overseas.
for follow-up after the purchase has occurred.
Be careful of pirated software that may contain hidden viruses and worms
Always ask for full details regarding returns, service and warranty policies.
that a hacker could use to take control of your computer or steal your
Avoid purchasing from distributors who are unwilling or unable to provide
personal information.
adequate or satisfactory descriptions of these policies.
*Reseller prices may vary.
Keep records.
For more information, visit: www.microsoft.com.au/piracy
Keep the invoice and any other receipts or related documents, and keep them
until the software arrives and proves satisfactory.
Be wary of bargain prices.
If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. As a guide,
check the offer against the publisher’s recommended or estimated
retail price.* It’s all right if the price is lower, but be wary if it’s
too much lower.
Be cautious of distributors that offer unusual inventory
explanations.
These include references to special deals, and liquidation or
bankruptcy sales. Software pirates often use these types of phrases
to fool people into believing that they are getting genuine product.
If in doubt, call the software publisher.
The publisher will provide details about what you should receive
when you acquire the software and will give an indication of the price
range. When in doubt about Microsoft products, you can call the
Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline on 1800 63 99 63.

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 Software piracy and your busi ness
The most common form of piracy in businesses today is non-compliance. Many businesses How can you get help?
who grow quickly or buy new hardware, find it hard to keep on top of managing their
1. For more information, or if you’d simply like to minimise your risk and ensure that your
software licenses.
software is legal, call the Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline on 1800 63 99 63 for help.
Each PC where software is installed must have its own license,
2. For more information on Software Asset Management or Microsoft Licensing
even if you install the software only on your company server
call the Licensing Hotline on 132 058.
and then automatically distribute it to PCs. You might also
find pirated software installed unknowingly, especially in For more information, visit:

affiliates or branch offices. www.microsoft.com.au/howtotell

Small businesses are often prone to this type of software www.microsoft.com.au/sam

piracy, due to pirated software being sold through some www.microsoft.com.au/licensing

disreputable resellers or System Builders. These resellers

or System Builders sell PCs installed with software and
don’t supply the genuine original disks or other
documentation required.
Large or small, every business should understand how to recognise genuine software
and realise the value and benefits of Software Asset Management (see page 14).

Buying tips for large or small businesses

• Make sure you acquire software only from reputable resellers. Look for the Microsoft
Certificate of Authenticity (COA), even when the software is preinstalled on PCs.
• Always keep the original disks, documentation, Certificate of Authenticity (COA), End User
License Agreement (EULA) and purchase invoice in a safe place – these are your proof of
purchase. If your End User License Agreement (EULA) is online, print it out and keep it for
your records.

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 Managing your software

Why is Software Asset Management (SAM) What are the steps to Software
important to your business? Asset Management (SAM)
What is software management? 1. Perform a software inventory
With proper Software Asset Management (SAM), you know what you have, license only what Take a survey of all software installed on your PCs, servers and other devices and collect the
you need, and use your software assets effectively. information in a report. The inventory can be performed manually or you can use software
inventory tools to perform inventories automatically.
Download the free Microsoft Software Inventory Analyser that allows you to determine which

Work more efficiently – Save money – avoid major Microsoft titles are installed. Or visit www.microsoft.com/resources/sam to search
multi-versions of software overbuying and check for a SAM Service Provider in your area who can provide you with a software inventory tool
may be hampering you have the most for all products.
business processes cost-effective program
Increase staff productivity
2. Match software installed to licenses acquired
Reduce support costs Improve employee satisfaction Once you know which software titles are installed on your computers, the next step is to find
your license documentation and match it to the software installed. This will make it easy to
Optimise deployment SAM Basics Save money see if you are over-licensed or under-licensed for certain software titles.

3. Review policies and procedures

Obtain peace of mind Improve business performance
Once you know what you have and where it is, the next step is to review or write policies and
Keep your data safe procedures that you can use to ensure that your software is managed effectively. Topics you
Peace of mind – know what Justify software
investments – understand may cover include the acquisition, deployment, use and recovery of software.
you have and where it is,
and that your software is the value and be able to
appropriate and safe identify your needs 4. Develop a SAM plan with proper documentation
The final SAM step is to establish a plan for ongoing software management.
For more information on Software Asset Management (SAM),
visit www.microsoft.com.au/sam

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 Help report software piracy
The best way to protect honest customers and partners from software piracy is to report it.
If you suspect a company or person is pirating Microsoft software, help is only a phone call
or click away. All reports are confidential and can be made anonymously.
There are two ways you can help report software piracy in Australia. You can either:
Call the Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline: 1800 63 99 63
OR
Make a report online by visiting www.microsoft.com.au/piracy/report

Quick Reference Guide

Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline: 1800 63 99 63
Microsoft Piracy Web site: www.microsoft.com.au/piracy
Microsoft SAM Web site: www.microsoft.com.au/sam
Microsoft Licensing Web site: www.microsoft.com.au/licensing
Business Software Association of Australia: www.bsaa.com.au

Resources for resellers

Microsoft has a range of tools and resources available to help you with selling genuine
Microsoft software, understanding your licensing options and providing software asset
management services to your customers.
Visit: www.microsoft.com.au/partner/softwarepiracy

© 2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, ‘Your potential. Our passion’, Windows,
and Windows Server are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the US and/or other
countries. All other company and/or product names mentioned herein may be held by their respective owners.

Paper produced with recycled fibre content. MIC026 08/04

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