Microsoft gets tough on counterfeit software

Microsoft's has filed 52 lawsuits and made 22 referrals to law enforcement agencies related to counterfeit software. All of these cases involved pirated copies of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft has gotten very serious about protecting its software from theft. The company started a "Windows Genuine Advantage" program which allows consumers to check software for authenticity. This has made it easier for Microsoft to identify pirated software, especially that produced by counterfeiting rings.

Have you thought about pirating some computer software? Think again.

It's amazing to me that some consumers don't see pirating software as stealing. But it is most definitely stealing. Companies develop computer software and then distribute it with a license. That license dictates how the software must be used.