'MS Windows, Photoshop most pirated software in RP'

Pop quiz: what are the two most pirated software in the Philippines today?

According to Business Software Alliance consultant Atty. Bien Marquez, majority of computer users in the Philippines who use pirated software often use illegal copies of Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop in their PCs.

"Aside from Windows, the most pirated software right now is Adobe Photoshop. The next is Autodesk AutoCAD, there's a lot of that. Finally, there are the anti-virus programs such as McAfee, Symantec and others. Those are the types of [pirated] software widely reported on the BSA hotline," Marquez told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

He said in one recent forum of architecture students, he asked the audience who among them were using pirated copies of AutoCAD. "Almost everyone raised their hands. When I asked who were using IntelliCAD, only two raised their hands," he said.

Marquez said some computer users prefer to use proprietary software instead of free software because they are satisfied with their experience in using paid software. He added, however, that while the BSA advocates the use of free software, users must realize that they should pay if they want to use proprietary software.

"We promote copyright protection. On the other hand, we also believe in giving users a choice especially since some of our members do create free software. It's up to the user if they want to use open source or not but if they use proprietary software, they have to be willing to pay," he said.

Marquez said there are five types of software piracy namely end user piracy, hard disk loading, software counterfeiting, client-server overuse and Internet piracy.

End user piracy takes place when end users make use of unlicensed software on their computers or install more copies than they are entitled to under the license agreement.

Hard disk loading happens when computer dealers pre-install illegal copies of software onto computers prior to sale. This means that some dealers use one legally acquired copy but install it on many machines. These computers are usually sold without any form of licensing documentation or disks

Software counterfeiting is the illegal duplication and sale of software in a form that is almost identical to the genuine product.

Client-server overuse takes place when too many employees on a network use a central copy of a program at the same time than stipulated under licence agreements

Finally, Internet piracy happens when software programs are placed by third parties on the Internet for download free of charge or for a fee. Pirates tend also to use the Internet as a means of advertising to solicit sales or auction sites to sell illegal software

The BSA launched on Tuesday a new video that encouraged Filipinos to be a "superhero" in the fight against piracy. The video directs viewers to BSA’s newly established website, which contains helpful tips on how to spot the use of pirated software in the workplace including basic information about software piracy and its types as well as the economic impact of software piracy.

Marquez said the BSA maintains a hotline where the public can submit reports against businesses using unlicensed and pirated software. From January to August 2009 alone, the BSA has already received over 500 reports through the hotline. The organization currently offers a reward of up to P1 million to individuals who can provide information that will lead to a successful case against a company that uses unlicensed and pirated software.