FindComputerStuff

Purchasing Genuine Windows Software

Nowadays in my home country (Nigeria), Counterfeiting has become the order of the day most especially Microsoft OEM Software. The counterfeiting has gotten so bad that I could find original Windows software but it would be in a counterfeit CD (Recordable cd’s like Datalife, Sony, and Memorex). And you know that Microsoft could as well lock up your computer if it’s not a genuine version because of the new program they have implemented (Windows Genuine Advantages) which give extra features such as updating, getting security fixes and the rest.

But hey, it’s not only in Nigeria that this happens, it happens all over the world, the worst occurrences been in the Middle East and Asia
Here are some ways you can know which is which, that is to know when it is counterfeit or not.

1. Buying from a reputable reseller
You can protect yourself from software counterfeiting by buying from a reputed Distributor or reseller. The reseller should be a Microsoft Certified Distributor also in order to be sure that you will get genuine software. The reseller should have links to local resources such as the chamber of Commerce.
Also you can purchase Windows Vista and Office 2007 from the windows marketplace.

2. Certificate of Authenticity
The certificate of Authenticity is a label which helps you to identify genuine Microsoft software. It is usually affixed to the back of the software it authenticates. If this is not included in the software you buy, it is not genuine. Also if someone wants to sell a COA to you without the software it accompanies, don’t buy it.

3. Holographic CD or DVD
If this is not the case, then the software is definitely not genuine. This is because Microsoft incorporated the use of hologram DVDs after the release of Windows Me in order to avoid counterfeiting. A holographic disc features a holographic image on the surface of the disc, note that it is not a sticker but it is part of the disc itself. Also when you purchase a new PC (Dell, HP and the rest), it has to come with a recovery CD so that you will be able to recover you genuine Microsoft software if the PC fails. If this is not included, do not buy it.

4. EULA (End User License Agreement
If you accept its terms, the EULA gives you permission to use the software, grants you some additional rights, and imposes certain restrictions on your use of the software. The
EULA includes the “Grant of License” section, which describes how you may use the software. Also included in the EULA are restrictions against
reverse engineering, leasing, or renting the software and other restrictions that apply to the particular software. In addition, the EULA describes the terms under which you may make a backup or archival copy of the software, and it details the limited warranty provided for the product.

5. Packaging

One of the clearest indications that you are purchasing genuine Microsoft software is professionally produced packaging and documentation. Note that Microsoft will never print a product key directly on the software packaging and it should not be visible prior to purchase. If you’ve received a package with a product key displayed, you are not getting genuine Microsoft software.