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Piracy Control in Pakistan

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by adrehman

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Hi all

This is Adrehman from Pakistan. In our country software piracy control is not so restricted in the past but now the software companies with the help of government agencies are trying to protect the use of unregistered softwares especially MicroSoft Inc.

I am running a Cyber Caf? here in which I have 10 Pentium PCs and software I used are

1) 1 PC running MS Windows 98 with Wingate Server
2) Rest 9s running as Wingate Clients on Ms Windows 98, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MIRC, IRC, and other Chatting Software, ACDC, and Some Movie Players.
3) All Computers are Pentium 1s with 2GB/Higher HD , 64 MB Ram

• Now I need a suggestion from you guys that what can I do because right now I am not in a position to purchase the license copies of above softwares especially MS Windows.

Should I go for free OS? If I go for Free OS then can I run all these software’s? And which OS I can use for free with my software requirement,

I need some expert opinion as soon as possible because I have to make decision to eliminate any Illegal or legal issues.

Thank you All
Ad Rehman
09221-6605426

5 replies

by timwalsh

In the realm of "free OSes", you are pretty much talking about one of the versions of Linux. However, Linux is only free if you download it (usually 600 MB +). When you download you usually only get the basic OS and a limited set of tools. You may or may not get software that fills all the function you are running on Win98. If you buy one of the distributions (usually less money than buying Windows), you usally get a larger set of software, some of which you can freely install on multiple computers.

I myself am a newbie to Linux, so I can't give you any recommendations on software to replace what you are running on Win98.

And yes, you do need to correct your situation quickly. If the software police catch you, even if you avoid prison time (not sure what the piracy laws in Pakistan are like), the fines will probably put you out of business.

Good luck.

by jcmcintyre

For free opewrating systems, Linux is the best bet. Install a recent distribution like Mandrake 9.0 http://www.mandrakelinux.com/), or Redhat 8.0 (www.redhat.com)

Both of these distributions will contain all of the free software you need to run your business, in addition to good control over the system. Linux will allow you to restrict user access to the system much better than Windows.

In addition, Linux has string security features, and godd protection from viruses

You will also have fewer probklems with users installingh and running unauthorized software on you machines. remeber if a users installs pirated software on your computer, you will be held responsible.

For software, Netscape Mozilla is included with almost every distribution, in addition to Open Office (www.openoffice.org)

Open Office will give your users all the functionality they require.

Give Linux a try and forget the licensing issues. YTou can always spend money on Linux iof you don't like it

Cheers JIm

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