How to Avoid from Fake Software Online

The advent of better and latest software in the market has made computing experience a lot more efficient and better than ever before. It ha s also widened the doors of internet marketing and management. But at the same time there has also been an increase in the number of counterfeits and fakes that almost looks original. So before you buy an software next time, don’t forget to make sure that they come from proper concerns. These fake software‘s may not only harm your computer but also lead to serious problems and harassment’s. Many of us have probably frequently received spam e-mails offering software at a fraction of its cost in high street shops. It can be anything from Windows 7 to the latest version of Adobe Photoshop. At first glance the price might seem tempting, especially if you’re on a budget. But in most cases these are illegal and counterfeit programmes. Not only might they not work properly, there’s a good possibility they could pretty well damage your computer and lead to identity theft. Pirated and counterfeit software is a huge global problem.

How to Identify Fake Software:

• The first thing to notice about them is their price. If anyone on the web offers you a software at an unbelievably low price; have a proper check on the source.
• If the product is marketed as OEM, NFR and academic versions, get alert. OEM software is intended only to be sold with new hardware, such as a new computer, NFR (not for resale) are evaluation copies, and academic versions are intended only for teachers and students.
• If the software cannot be registered, be sure that its not an original one.
• If the product is advertised as an back-up copy; its counterfeit.

Counterfeit software use is incredibly widespread and has become on of the major business in the black markets. In some parts of Asia and the former Soviet Union, it’s a phenomenally high 90% or more. Even in the United States, an estimated 25% of software is counterfeit. Counterfeiters can go to great lengths to fool their consumers. Sometimes they break into software distribution houses and take the goods. In some cases, they steal only the certificates of authenticity. These certificates are later used to make the counterfeit software look genuine. The emails that junk your mail boxes and offers you these software generally directs you to a website where you can make purchase of these discounted and illegal fake software.

The best way to fight these counterfeiters is to avoid them completely. Know what you are buying, and buy only legitimate software from trusted sources.

How to avoid being Scammed:

• Any pop ups which show up when you’re surfing the Internet are the devil spawn by which the hackers take up your computer and sometimes even hack your personal details. Never click on those boxes that say they’ve found some compromising files in your system. Try staying away from these pop ups and you’re 99.9% more likely to avoid fake software.
• Also, stay away from popup screens which suddenly show your computer files. This is easy to duplicate, and doesn’t mean that you’ve been compromised or the entity showing your computer files to you is legitimate. They are using the same technology as many online meeting firms which allow computers to see each other’s screens.
• If by chance you click on one of these boxes, which purposely try to confuse you into thinking that you don’t have a choice, or if another box pops up when you close that window, immediately hit Ctrl-Alt-Del and check your running programs to make sure that no new *.exe files have been downloaded and are running. These are most likely to be malware.
• If the pop up screens still don’t stop, immediately restart your computer and run your real Antivirus software over the entire hard drive to check from any malicious attacks.
• If you are buying any software on the net, make sure of the source. Inquire that how long they have been into the business and where is the site registered to. Be rather careful if the address bar on your internet browser displays a numerical IP address (e.g. /63.39.03.157) rather than a real domain name when you visit the company’s site. If found so, report to the concerned authorities as soon as possible.
• Check whether the site provides a landline phone number and a street address? A legitimate company will show both.
• Have a proper look on the user agreement. All too often these companies’ web sites will include a clause that doesn’t permit you to charge back on your credit card once you have purchased the soft ware. If you see this, stop the transaction immediately.

So next time when you buy a software on the internet ensure about the source and the product before buying or else you may install an illegal or counterfeit program that will not provide you with updates and technical assistance. Sometimes you might simply not receive the software you have paid for. You might also end up having stolen you personal and confidential details such as your credit card number or your account details. Always have a proper check on you bank statements and challenge any activity that you cannot account for.

However not all are counterfeits. There are legitimate deals and services available on the internet. But the best rules of thumb are that if it seems too good to be true, then it might be, and you get what you pay for. Use caution and common sense, and investigate thoroughly before you spend your money on the internet. If you however you fall for baits and becomes victims of these fake software, do not forget to inform immediately to the concerned authorities and personnel.