WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Investigators seized 200 computers across the globe to break up online piracy networks that distribute copyrighted music, movies and software, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday. "The sweep, carried out in 27 U.S. states and 10 foreign countries, targeted covert ‘warez’ groups that distribute computer games and other works before they are officially released, the Justice Department said."
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I get a lot spam. A lot of it is still for counterfeit software, particularly for Adobe and Microsoft products — but every popular product shows up on their sale sheets. Photoshop and Office are hot sellers with pirates. When I can, I forward the complete emails — with complete "source" information to Adobe, via or their less convenient electronic form.
Thanks for telling us, Ann. But despite Photoshop being on the pirates’ list, and being happy that these guys eventually get busted — this is an off-topic, so let’s see if we can refocus on Photoshop issues. Thanks.
I felt that it was worth posting that info. here for two reasons:
1. Many of us have been bombarded with SPAM by these Warez operations (which we have been dutifully forwarding to ) and
2. We know that a number of users of pirated software do browse through this Forum and they might like to know that their names may well show up on the computers that have been seized in these raids.
It might be quite a good time to immediately purge any illegal software from their Systems?
Good points. Let me add that software piracy hurts everyone, whether the product involved is Photoshop or a handy $20 utility — legitimate product users have to pay more for their software and may see fewer upgrades produced. In some cases, the product developers cease to upgrade to even produce their products because of piracy. (You get a sense of the issues if someone ever stole an image or other intellectual property of yours and made money marketing it.)
Purchasers or downloaders of pirated software don’t get off clean either. They often do not get the complete product, or even a properly functioning product. And certainly they don’t get manuals or special offers. They can’t register their software or expect official support; or even receive refund or replacement for product deficiencies. In addition, viruses and other nasty bits of code could be included. And those who knowingly purchase or download pirated software leave themselves open themselves up to legal prosecution.
The cheap so-called "OEM software without the cost of expensive manuals and packaging" is almost always a product of illegal piracy. If anyone comes across a Website with Adobe software prices that sound too good to be true; or if one receives email selling Adobe software at unbelievably low prices; do everyone a favor, including yourself. Give the details to: >
Additional information from Adobe:
Be cautious when ordering software over the Internet. Many resellers with Internet storefronts or those who sell from auction sites knowingly distribute copies of software illegally. Estimates reveal that as much as 90% of software sold over Internet auction sites is either bootlegged or gray market. So, if the pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Some Web sites promise prospects free software downloads. These sites are distributing software illegally. There is also no guarantee that the software is secure or will work properly when installed. The only time it’s legal to download Adobe software free of charge is when special tryout promotions are offered. Typically, you’ll find these only on Adobe.com. These offers enable the use of the software only for a limited time.
This is a good issue for the user to user forum because both the annoyance of the spam and the fact that the piracy effects our pocketbooks as well is a definitely Photoshop issue.
Lounge is a place for those who are no longer with us, you know brain dead at birth.
Interestingly enough since Ann brought this to light I have not recieved any software spam emails. I usually get an average of 200 spams a day. 5 to 10 of which are "software deal" emails.
IÂ’ve never gotten any software emails, but about a month or so ago I got an email offering for a new dual G5 decked out with 4 gigs of ram and complete with a 23in cinema display for the outrageous price of ONLY… $2,995.00.
When I went to school. The professor (head of the department) copied all the programs we would be using on to CDs & gave each one of us students a CD. We were told to put it on our home computers… so that we would not "clog up" the lab.
Of course he never mentioned this being illigale.
I find that the more students I talk to… this is the norm in most "non-art" schools.
