Windows 7 pirated version available in Indian market
By siliconindia   |   Monday, 02 November 2009, 22:21 IST   |    4 Comments
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Windows 7 pirated version available in Indian market
New Delhi: Windows 7 is yet to be officially launched in the Indian market, but the pirated version of Microsoft's new operating system is already being offered by several retail shops in major metros and can even be downloaded for free from various internet websites. Software piracy has been the biggest concern for top software makers, especially in countries such as India and China, where consumers are tempted to buy cheaper and, at times, free versions of the latest software. As a result of this, the Indian software industry loses nearly $2.8 billion every year because of piracy. The exchequer also loses tax revenues worth around $200 million annually because of unauthorized software sales in the country. The full version of Windows 7 software available with black marketers does not even require a key, which is a 16 character alphanumeric unique number that comes with officially purchased software. Sellers, who spoke with Economic Times on conditions of anonymity, said that they are already selling Windows 7 at 50 for each CD. While some are buying pirated CDs from these shops, there are many others who prefer to download Windows 7 by simply running a search for the software on popular websites such as torrentz.com, torrentscan.com, isohunt.com and torrent-finder.com. Delhi's Nehru Place, known as the hub for electronic gadgets and latest software, Windows 7 Home Premium can be bought for 50. The official price of the software, however, is Rs 6,799. Black marketers in Kolkata added that the software will soon be available within two days for 100. Meanwhile, a Microsoft India Spokesman said, "The battle against piracy is an on-going one. A recent report by KPMG states that at least 60 percent of pirated software comes with malware." Apart from the latest Windows 7 software, many users are also buying older beta versions, such as Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), which will expire on June 1 next year. However, users who install this version will have to face several technical hiccups. Computers running Windows 7 RC version will find their systems shutting down every 30 minutes starting March 2010.