In today’s world, it is important for computer users to understand the differences between free downloads like a Xvid open source video player and pirated software. The difference goes much further than just the legalities of free downloads and copyright infringement. Computer users that choose to download pirated software often set themselves up for other problems that they did not even know were possible.
Trojan Viruses
One of the biggest problems with pirated software is that it can contain Trojan viruses. When downloading and using a trusted open source software, like Ares, you do not have to worry about viruses and malware. Trojans are viruses embedded inside another program. You might think that you have just downloaded the latest version of Adobe Acrobat, but you’ve also gotten a virus that can take over your computer.
Trojan viruses can give you lots of problems. They all take up memory and CPU space. The worst ones will also hog your Internet bandwidth so that they can attack websites or monitor your online activities. Often, those with malware from pirated programs don’t even know that they have been infected. They wonder why their computers run so slowly, but they never stop to think that they are responsible for infecting their computers with dangerous viruses.
It is always possible that free downloads will also contain Trojan viruses. Official free downloads, however, don’t usually carry viruses. The number of viruses that you will get from free downloads pales in comparison to the amount that you can get from pirated software.
Copyright Infringement
Computer users should also consider the legal dangers of copyright infringement before downloading pirated software. Free, high-quality downloads like the Cabos peer to peer file sharing application come with agreements that give you authorization to use the programs. Pirated software, however, does not come with any user agreements. When you use them, you break the law. This might seem like a small difference to some people, but the courts take that difference quite seriously. The potential penalty for using pirated software is steep. You’re better off just buying the programs that you need. It costs less in the long run.