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If you think using pirated software could not possibly harm your business, think again.
According to Symantec Corporation, besides adversely affecting the revenue of legitimate vendors, counterfeit software may contain viruses or malicious code that damage user systems.
"[By buying pirated software] you run the risk of getting a program that could wipe out your whole system," said William Plante, senior director for global security and brand protection, Cupertino, Calif.-based Symantec Corp.
In addition, corrupted or defective software could ruin the hard drive, forcing business owners to shell out more money for repair services and new purchases, he said.
Pirated software often lacks necessary back up and recovery tools, manuals, warranties and support services that legitimate software offers, said Susan Harper, license compliance manager at Mississauga, Ont.-based Microsoft Canada. "Businesses need to make sure they have all the necessary components of a [software] license [including a] certificate of authenticity and...