You know, Digerati, there are MILLIONS of people in the US alone that pirate Windows. I don't, and I'm not encouraging pirating (so don't remove the post!) But is it really any of your business to sit here and question someone over the internet that you don't even know about the legitimacy of their copy of Windows 7?
I didn't question anyone - though I note you questioned me, so I will answer! As I said in my first post, I merely stated the facts about OEM licenses because, it is a fact, most people don't read their EULAs! And so I provide the information so readers can make their own
informed decisions. And I do that because ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking the law. And the penalties can be severe, including jail time and stiff fines. And in this case, the poster indicated what he was doing.
But for the record,
you are absolutely right - it is a fact there are millions of software thieves out there. But,
- It is a fact that pirated software is a major source of malware,
- It is a fact that pirated software and illegal users are primary targets of malware and badguys,
- It is a fact many of these thieves (who, in fact, KNOW their software is illegal) rarely keep their systems properly updated for fear of being detected,
- It is a fact that computers that are not properly patched and updated are vulnerable, and routinely infected,
- It is a fact, compromised machines are routinely turned into spam machines and zombies pulled into badguys' bot armies then used as weapons against the rest of us - including you and me, and to launch DDoS attacks against sites like Tech Forums.
And since my "job" here is to make sure you, other posters, and me stay secure, then yes, it sure is my business to make sure our readers stay informed and legal - because as a provider here, saying nothing is the same as condoning. And I don't condone stealing.
So I am not going to apologize for ensuring readers know all the facts.
I am not suggesting Drogos is an intentional thief, but it is important to know the illegal use of software falls under the same heading as larceny. Same as copyright violations and theft of "intellectual property".