We have no problems with pirated software

Almost 50% of Australians believe it is okay to work with pirated software, with several unable to tell the difference between legal and pirated programs, new Microsoft research shows. The survey of 1100 people, conducted by Galaxy Research, also shows 45% of respondents believe pirated software is acceptable “in some situations” for private use. But that number jumps to 64% for 16 to 24 year olds, who believe it is “okay”, or “okay in some situations”.

A massive 45% of 25 to 49 year olds believe personal use of pirated software is acceptable.

But while many believe the use of pirated software to be acceptable, many could not tell the difference between legal and pirated software. Microsoft consumer product manager Steve Johns told itnews.com.au that telling the difference between legal and illegal software is paramount to safe computer use.

“With security top-of-mind for Australians, it is a worrying statistic that almost half of those surveyed wouldn’t know how to check if their computer software was a genuine copy, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of security threats,” Johns says.

“Using genuine software and knowing how to check that you have authentic copies of computer programs is a fundamental way of protecting yourself and ensuring that your PC and personal information are secure.”