72 pc Indian computer users use pirated software

Hyderabad, Nov 4: Microsoft's Genuine Software Initiative Director Brian J Campbell today said 72 per cent of computer users in India were using pirated software despite strict Indian Laws.

He said only six per cent in China and four per cent in Russia used pirated software.

If every one used genuine software, more than 1.15 lakh additional jobs would be created in the country.

Apart from employment, the country was also loosing tax revenue, he maintained.

Mr Campbell said Microsoft had procured 348 pirated Windows CDs from 17 countries and after examination found that 34 per cent could not be installed.

The pirated CDs would contain viruses that would destroy the database in the computer.

He said Microsoft was considering to reduce the cost of the software to avoid piracy.

Windows XP and SP-2 were made more resistant to Virus than the earlier versions. The company would soon release home edition and business edition separately to make the home version more affordable to users. The new anti-virus scan would also be introduced, he added.

UNI