InfoChat
Understanding Tech Issues with Reliable Vision of Innovation
by Jerry Liao, Philippines
Subscribe to this blog
Pirated Windows 7 exposed
Mar 1, 2009 18:01Just came back from our usual family weekend outing when I chanced upon a stall in one of the supermarkets here in the Philippines. It's a small shop selling pirated software. Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to scan the folders containing the available software.
Guess what I found? Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit).
I asked the lady manning the shop where they got the copy. The lady said she did not know since most of the CDs are delivered to the shop. She was honest enough to admit that she does not know anything about computers. She was put there just to sell.
I asked how much the pirated copy of Windows 7 was, and she gave a price of 70 pesos. I asked her if it was the complete copy, and she said yes. I wondered if she was as tech illiterate as she claimed to be. Otherwise, how would she know if this was a complete copy or not?
Anyway, I was about to leave the shop when the lady shouted: "Sir, I can give it to you at 50 pesos if you buy another CD for 50 pesos." I simply smiled at the her and said thank you, and left the shop without buying anything.
I am sure this CD is not unique here in the Philippines. Other countries surely have the bootleg copy as well. Pirated copies of Windows 7 are already out even before the full product becomes available, which makes me wonder just how much revenue Microsoft will lose for Windows 7 because of piracy.
God bless us all!
- Talkback
-
tan83 says...
I don't think they will lose a lot at all as it has been rather rampant at this part of the world anyway. Those using pirated software will continue to do so and those using the original software will still buy the originals. Just hope there will be more conversion from pirated to originals, that is all.
Mar 01, 2009 21:00
I don't think they will lose a lot at all as it has been rather rampant at this part of the world anyway. Those using pirated software will continue to do so and those using the original software will still buy the originals. Just hope there will be more conversion from pirated to originals, that is all.
Mar 01, 2009 21:00
montbkk says...
Pleas, I'm surprised at your disingenuous tone......In Thailand, and others, EVERY company, including ALL the major companies, sell their DVD players Region Free set at the factory. Even Sony with their infamous DMR unlocks their players "pre-sale". Most computer companies also sell their desktops and laptops without an OS or other software because they know very few here care about legitimate programmes.
When the software companies, including Microsoft, decide to set their prices according to national average incomes then the piracy will stop. Until then the average consumer simply does not have a choice and MS et al know this. They calculate their losses in revenue and adjust their prices accordingly to recuperate them from the more prosperous countries.
I don't like pirated "anything" and do not buy, wear, use or allow in my home anything "fake" or pirated but I can afford to do so. I'm fortunate enough not to have need to worry about the quality of my clothes or Trojans in my software......attack the real problem: companies overpricing their products.
Mar 01, 2009 22:59
Pleas, I'm surprised at your disingenuous tone......In Thailand, and others, EVERY company, including ALL the major companies, sell their DVD players Region Free set at the factory. Even Sony with their infamous DMR unlocks their players "pre-sale". Most computer companies also sell their desktops and laptops without an OS or other software because they know very few here care about legitimate programmes.
When the software companies, including Microsoft, decide to set their prices according to national average incomes then the piracy will stop. Until then the average consumer simply does not have a choice and MS et al know this. They calculate their losses in revenue and adjust their prices accordingly to recuperate them from the more prosperous countries.
I don't like pirated "anything" and do not buy, wear, use or allow in my home anything "fake" or pirated but I can afford to do so. I'm fortunate enough not to have need to worry about the quality of my clothes or Trojans in my software......attack the real problem: companies overpricing their products.
Mar 01, 2009 22:59
dextermanas says...
Poor article. The title was highly misleading. Piracy of Windows 7 or any other Windows isn't news at all; the title made it sound like some underground group or someone inside MS was busted, or maybe some investigation was conducted of the pirated copy to trace the creator of the disk?
Instead, the article is just stating the obvious. So, what's the point of it? Well the only thing I learnt was that a pirated copy of W7 costs 70 pesos in the Philippines! (or 1.4 USD) :)
Thanks for the price update mate!
Mar 02, 2009 07:53
Poor article. The title was highly misleading. Piracy of Windows 7 or any other Windows isn't news at all; the title made it sound like some underground group or someone inside MS was busted, or maybe some investigation was conducted of the pirated copy to trace the creator of the disk?
Instead, the article is just stating the obvious. So, what's the point of it? Well the only thing I learnt was that a pirated copy of W7 costs 70 pesos in the Philippines! (or 1.4 USD) :)
Thanks for the price update mate!
Mar 02, 2009 07:53
techguy says...
@tan83: Or they can come up with a better security like DRM technology that would make copying difficult or non-orignals unworkable. Or make their products really really affordable. Thank you.
Mar 02, 2009 09:31
@tan83: Or they can come up with a better security like DRM technology that would make copying difficult or non-orignals unworkable. Or make their products really really affordable. Thank you.
Mar 02, 2009 09:31
techguy says...
@montbkk: I agree with your points. That is why I always say that prices of products should be made more affordable or piracy will continue to grow.
Mar 02, 2009 09:34
@montbkk: I agree with your points. That is why I always say that prices of products should be made more affordable or piracy will continue to grow.
Mar 02, 2009 09:34
techguy says...
@dextermanas: I am simply pointing the fact that the availability was so fast. And that when you buy non-originals, you can expect no support at all (as shown by the lady by saying she's not tech literate and yet she said its a complete version). Thank you too.
Mar 02, 2009 09:38
@dextermanas: I am simply pointing the fact that the availability was so fast. And that when you buy non-originals, you can expect no support at all (as shown by the lady by saying she's not tech literate and yet she said its a complete version). Thank you too.
Mar 02, 2009 09:38
adasys says...
Pirated Windows 7???? This is totally a misleading article, it's not even on sale yet... Do you even research before putting this article?
Mar 02, 2009 11:49
Pirated Windows 7???? This is totally a misleading article, it's not even on sale yet... Do you even research before putting this article?
Mar 02, 2009 11:49
techguy says...
@adasys: yes, its still in beta and not yet commercially available but they're selling it. That makes it worse right? A free beta version sold for 50 pesos? One can expect that once the full product will be released, it will also be available in no time. Thanks bro.
Mar 02, 2009 12:03
@adasys: yes, its still in beta and not yet commercially available but they're selling it. That makes it worse right? A free beta version sold for 50 pesos? One can expect that once the full product will be released, it will also be available in no time. Thanks bro.
Mar 02, 2009 12:03
ShiningStar says...
It's not too bad, you do get packaged DVD with some hacking and guide for 50 peso. It's probably target at people without personal internet access. It's not like Microsoft aren't oblivous to this, looking at Vista Beta. If companies were more ethical in pricing it other countries then maybe piracy would lessen. That said piracy is not uncommon in the west either.
Mar 02, 2009 22:29
It's not too bad, you do get packaged DVD with some hacking and guide for 50 peso. It's probably target at people without personal internet access. It's not like Microsoft aren't oblivous to this, looking at Vista Beta. If companies were more ethical in pricing it other countries then maybe piracy would lessen. That said piracy is not uncommon in the west either.
Mar 02, 2009 22:29
zorkor says...
@techguy
Thanks for the nice article. Those who are attacking you about the article being false dont know that Windows 7 is already being sold as a full version in many countries.
Actually the DVD contains a crack which is supposed to make the Windows 7 a full version when you use it. I have the crack also but I haven't used it. I got the crack from the internet.
Thanks for the news.
Mar 03, 2009 01:29
@techguy
Thanks for the nice article. Those who are attacking you about the article being false dont know that Windows 7 is already being sold as a full version in many countries.
Actually the DVD contains a crack which is supposed to make the Windows 7 a full version when you use it. I have the crack also but I haven't used it. I got the crack from the internet.
Thanks for the news.
Mar 03, 2009 01:29
techguy says...
@ShiningStar: I agree with you. When CD / DVD movies here went on sale, it was selling like hotcakes. It goes to show people will buy if the price is reasonable and affordable. Thanks.
Mar 03, 2009 09:34
@ShiningStar: I agree with you. When CD / DVD movies here went on sale, it was selling like hotcakes. It goes to show people will buy if the price is reasonable and affordable. Thanks.
Mar 03, 2009 09:34
techguy says...
@zorkor: All I know is its still in Beta evolving to RC then to RTM. I heard about the crack, but have not tried it since I don't have the Windows 7 copy.
I would like to share with you that Softpedia and TheRegister quoted our story. A testament that indeed piracy is a serious issue. Thanks Zorkor for the info.
Mar 03, 2009 09:39
@zorkor: All I know is its still in Beta evolving to RC then to RTM. I heard about the crack, but have not tried it since I don't have the Windows 7 copy.
I would like to share with you that Softpedia and TheRegister quoted our story. A testament that indeed piracy is a serious issue. Thanks Zorkor for the info.
Mar 03, 2009 09:39
jporter says...
It's also on www.keznews.com :) Anyway, nice find.
Mar 03, 2009 23:52
It's also on www.keznews.com :) Anyway, nice find.
Mar 03, 2009 23:52
techguy says...
@jporter: Thank you for sharing the info. But I think the credit should be attributed to the popularity and credibility of CNET.
Mar 04, 2009 00:53
@jporter: Thank you for sharing the info. But I think the credit should be attributed to the popularity and credibility of CNET.
Mar 04, 2009 00:53
jporter says...
I totally agree! :-)
Anyway, i did find it a good article, a nice read but a bit of a misleading title.
Mar 04, 2009 06:23
I totally agree! :-)
Anyway, i did find it a good article, a nice read but a bit of a misleading title.
Mar 04, 2009 06:23
adasys says...
@techguy, Sorry to disappoint you, but Windows 7 is only at beta test stage right now, so your misleading the readers again. Did you even bother cheking MS website before making that statement "Windows 7 is already being sold as a full version in many countries" ?
Feel free to visit this website for your reading. blogs.technet.com...
Mar 04, 2009 11:27
@techguy, Sorry to disappoint you, but Windows 7 is only at beta test stage right now, so your misleading the readers again. Did you even bother cheking MS website before making that statement "Windows 7 is already being sold as a full version in many countries" ?
Feel free to visit this website for your reading. blogs.technet.com...
Mar 04, 2009 11:27
techguy says...
@adasys: Actually it was Zorkor who said that "it was being sold as a full version in many countries".
If you will read my reply, I said that to the best of my knowledge, it is still in Beta evolving to RC then to RTM.
Thank you for the link.
Mar 04, 2009 13:10
@adasys: Actually it was Zorkor who said that "it was being sold as a full version in many countries".
If you will read my reply, I said that to the best of my knowledge, it is still in Beta evolving to RC then to RTM.
Thank you for the link.
Mar 04, 2009 13:10
moshelinho says...
Most of the people pirate because they cannot afford to invest in original softwares, so even if the piracy stops, microsoft isnt going to earn too much money, cos people wont be buying it anyways.
Its not that microsoft is losing revenue, more like they are earning less.
Mar 04, 2009 23:54
Most of the people pirate because they cannot afford to invest in original softwares, so even if the piracy stops, microsoft isnt going to earn too much money, cos people wont be buying it anyways.
Its not that microsoft is losing revenue, more like they are earning less.
Mar 04, 2009 23:54
techguy says...
@moshelinho: I do hope software makers would make their products more affordable especially to third world countries. Its better to earn less than earn nothing at all because of piracy. Thanks for your inputs.
Mar 05, 2009 11:53
@moshelinho: I do hope software makers would make their products more affordable especially to third world countries. Its better to earn less than earn nothing at all because of piracy. Thanks for your inputs.
Mar 05, 2009 11:53
sevenich says...
To claim that the Windows 7 beta version being sold is PIRATED may be a little bit OA (over-acting)... I downloaded 7 beta over my home DSL connection and it practically took five hours. Frankly, if there was someone willing to download for me and turn over the 7 beta to me in a burned DVD, I would not have hesitated paying that person US$5.00 for the effort and the cost of the DVD. Anyway one would still need a product key to install and MS will only give a key to registered users (which is simple because they only ask for Hotmail or Passport or MSN email account.
I condemn piracy - it is plain and simple theft, let's not call it any other term. Technically, 7 beta was made widely available over several weeks for the simple reason that MS wanted the public to try it. In Bangkok a month ago, I even saw a Toshiba laptop being sold that has a Windows 7 beta OS installed, though the machine says Vista on its sticker. And my reaction was - gee, 7 beta is so robust an OS that channels are installing it on new PCs. Then there was a copy of the Windows 7 beta DVD right next to it, in a plain-looking disc and clear, plastic case. There was a printed product key on the case, on plain white paper, clearly not from MS. Does that mean it is a pirated copy? I won't say that unless MS comes out in the open explicitly forbidding anyone to sell any new PC with Windows 7. The opposite seems quite true, MS has come out public thanking beta users for their awesome response to 7 beta and encourage them to continue giving feedback.
Mar 11, 2009 07:42
To claim that the Windows 7 beta version being sold is PIRATED may be a little bit OA (over-acting)... I downloaded 7 beta over my home DSL connection and it practically took five hours. Frankly, if there was someone willing to download for me and turn over the 7 beta to me in a burned DVD, I would not have hesitated paying that person US$5.00 for the effort and the cost of the DVD. Anyway one would still need a product key to install and MS will only give a key to registered users (which is simple because they only ask for Hotmail or Passport or MSN email account.
I condemn piracy - it is plain and simple theft, let's not call it any other term. Technically, 7 beta was made widely available over several weeks for the simple reason that MS wanted the public to try it. In Bangkok a month ago, I even saw a Toshiba laptop being sold that has a Windows 7 beta OS installed, though the machine says Vista on its sticker. And my reaction was - gee, 7 beta is so robust an OS that channels are installing it on new PCs. Then there was a copy of the Windows 7 beta DVD right next to it, in a plain-looking disc and clear, plastic case. There was a printed product key on the case, on plain white paper, clearly not from MS. Does that mean it is a pirated copy? I won't say that unless MS comes out in the open explicitly forbidding anyone to sell any new PC with Windows 7. The opposite seems quite true, MS has come out public thanking beta users for their awesome response to 7 beta and encourage them to continue giving feedback.
Mar 11, 2009 07:42
tistaharahap says...
Isn't Windows 7 still in BETA?
Well anyways, here in Indonesia is not much different than The Philippines. Is US Dollars, it's around 4-5 USD for a copy.
I just hope people who buys the DVD really know what they're doing with beta copies lol
Mar 11, 2009 15:58
Isn't Windows 7 still in BETA?
Well anyways, here in Indonesia is not much different than The Philippines. Is US Dollars, it's around 4-5 USD for a copy.
I just hope people who buys the DVD really know what they're doing with beta copies lol
Mar 11, 2009 15:58
techguy says...
@sevenich: does the Toshiba laptop you saw come preloaded with Windows 7 beta or was it installed by the shop? Thanks for the info.
Mar 11, 2009 16:18
@sevenich: does the Toshiba laptop you saw come preloaded with Windows 7 beta or was it installed by the shop? Thanks for the info.
Mar 11, 2009 16:18
techguy says...
@tistaharahap: $4 - $5 is expensive, that's around 200 pesos. Yes it's still in beta and I surely hope buyers know that its still a beta copy. The sellers are advertising it as a full version. Thanks for the info.
Mar 11, 2009 16:21
@tistaharahap: $4 - $5 is expensive, that's around 200 pesos. Yes it's still in beta and I surely hope buyers know that its still a beta copy. The sellers are advertising it as a full version. Thanks for the info.
Mar 11, 2009 16:21
jporter says...
4 or 5 dollar for a beta dvd with a nice dvd case and booklet isn't much? That's what one beer costs over here...
Mar 11, 2009 21:00
4 or 5 dollar for a beta dvd with a nice dvd case and booklet isn't much? That's what one beer costs over here...
Mar 11, 2009 21:00
tistaharahap says...
@techguy: Yes I thought so too. Pirated DVDs sell for $4 - $5 a piece in here while CDs sell for $2. The sad thing is that Windows 7 Beta is available for download for free from Microsoft but I guess the quality of bandwidth here in Indonesia is horrific. I'm sure if bandwidth is not a problem, Indonesia will have an increase for our BitTorrent population lol.
@jporter: Exactly!
Mar 12, 2009 12:38
@techguy: Yes I thought so too. Pirated DVDs sell for $4 - $5 a piece in here while CDs sell for $2. The sad thing is that Windows 7 Beta is available for download for free from Microsoft but I guess the quality of bandwidth here in Indonesia is horrific. I'm sure if bandwidth is not a problem, Indonesia will have an increase for our BitTorrent population lol.
@jporter: Exactly!
Mar 12, 2009 12:38
sevenich says...
the toshiba laptop i saw was meant to showcase its capability to run the next generation Windows OS, hence they had windows 7 installed on it. clearly it was installed by the seller or channel owner. toshiba's website doesn't even show any support for windows 7 yet.
so again, the term pirated is inaccurate. at beta, all direct downloads from ms website are original. the effort to make money out of a beta OS may be the subject of disdain in some places, but it is not piracy per se.
Mar 13, 2009 17:09
the toshiba laptop i saw was meant to showcase its capability to run the next generation Windows OS, hence they had windows 7 installed on it. clearly it was installed by the seller or channel owner. toshiba's website doesn't even show any support for windows 7 yet.
so again, the term pirated is inaccurate. at beta, all direct downloads from ms website are original. the effort to make money out of a beta OS may be the subject of disdain in some places, but it is not piracy per se.
Mar 13, 2009 17:09
madmusicmajor says...
Maybe retailers should be ordered by Law to sell products bundled with genuine OS only so piracy will be lessened and people won't have to be tempted of getting pirated copies.
Jul 21, 2009 14:16
Maybe retailers should be ordered by Law to sell products bundled with genuine OS only so piracy will be lessened and people won't have to be tempted of getting pirated copies.
Jul 21, 2009 14:16
joja says...
my friend had bought 1 copy of non legit win7 or the pirated.
and he said. its a trial version. hehe. only until Feb 2010 or March, then u have to pay it online for registration and the product. if not, ur PC will shut down every 2hrs or so? and it has a limited capabality as what he had said its written on the agreement of win7 trial version.
100 pesos isnt that much of a waste since he really want to try it out.
well, he said its not bad for him at all at least he had a try experiencing win7 before buying the legit full product since we were using the same old winXP. in 2010 we are surely about to upgrade to win7, the legitimate copy. for better assurance product.
Nov 21, 2009 20:13
my friend had bought 1 copy of non legit win7 or the pirated.
and he said. its a trial version. hehe. only until Feb 2010 or March, then u have to pay it online for registration and the product. if not, ur PC will shut down every 2hrs or so? and it has a limited capabality as what he had said its written on the agreement of win7 trial version.
100 pesos isnt that much of a waste since he really want to try it out.
well, he said its not bad for him at all at least he had a try experiencing win7 before buying the legit full product since we were using the same old winXP. in 2010 we are surely about to upgrade to win7, the legitimate copy. for better assurance product.
Nov 21, 2009 20:13
To post comments, you need to become a member. It's FREE.
About Jerry Liao
Jerry Liao is an IT consultant in the Philippines who conducts seminars on various tech topics. He is a regular columnist of Manila Bulletin, a member of the academe, a system developer and a system analyst. He is a frequent fixture in press conferences and tech launchings, most of which are posted at infochat.com.ph. He loves to tinker with the latest gadgets and gizmos, but his most cherish possession are his children.
Recent Comments
Most Discussed
Philippines called "Nation of Servants" by writer (165 comments)
Pirated Windows 7 exposed (29 comments)
HP 10-inch mini-note Netbook coming soon (20 comments)
Browse Archive
JanuarySponsored links
The new Citi DIVIDEND World MasterCard
Get up to 5% cash back for every dollar charged to your card.
Win an ASUS UL Series Notebook!
Answer 3 simple questions and stand a chance to win an ASUS UL80Vt notebook worth over $1500!
Crack the code
Crack the code with Western Digital and stand to win the new PS3 (slim gaming console).
B.Sc. in Finance and Accounting Mgmt
Entry requirement: Polytechnic diploma or equivalent. Find out more.
VISION Technology from AMD
Deliver to your customers a superior visual experience. Learn more here
Best value data plan
Get Starhub's smartphone plans for the best value in town
Just right. Nothing more.
The VAIO X Series. It’s everything you desire and nothing you don’t.
Make Your Brand Sing Out!
The Music Matters Advertising Forum in association with Media, Singapore, Dec 8
IPTV Forum Asia
Enhancing IP Networks for Optimal Video Service Delivery
Samsung Camera, Two LCDs.
Twice the fun of any camera. Dual LCD makes it easy.
CNET Asia is now on Facebook!
Be part of the most happening tech community in Asia on Facebook
CNET Asia TV
Watch gadget reviews, quick tips, movie trailers and more for FREE.
