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If you are just
starting out in Practice you will be well aware
of the issues surrounding software. The chances
are high that you are running illegal copies of
Microsoft Office and AutoCAD as the core
applications of your work systems - not to
mention Windows.
This is
wrong.
It is wrong for
various reasons but the most important reason
for not running pirated software (which can get
you into lots of serious trouble) is that you
don't have to do it. Read it again; You don't
have to do it!
Software piracy
is an issue of enormous magnitude and has
serious implications for the individual and the
practice. Read the news;
CLAMPDOWN ON SOFTWARE PIRACY REVEALS DRAMATIC RESULTS
IDC reports that a 10 percent reduction in South Africa’s 38 percent software piracy rate by 2006 would: · Boost tax revenues by over R784 million · Add R12.8 billion to its economy · Create nearly 3 300 high wage jobs.
BSA
Website June 2003
IDC is wrong and
those figures are completely fictitious but the
message is both strong and clear. Clean up your
act or the Government and Corporate Business
will do it for you. Today (18 June 2003) the SA
Government announced the setting up of "Interception
Centres" to combat cyber crime.
They want your money and they intend to get it.
If you are
running pirated software you must give serious
consideration to the implications of being
caught (all it takes is a disgruntled employee
to call BSA's hotline). Either LEGALISE your
software or DUMP it - now.
I am not a
Microsoft fan but I still use (legal) copies of
Windows 98 for my CAD workstations. This is
simply because there is no viable GNU/Linux CAD
alternative at the moment. (This will change
soon.) All other Practice Systems which I deploy
run on GNU/Linux machines.
But I do not pay
for any other software - and it is all legal and
very powerful. I use a Free Anti-Virus
package that has not let me down in 3 years of
constant use. I use a Free CAD program
that is both excellent and affordable to
upgrade. I use a powerful Office Suite
that cost me nothing. I run a powerful Accounts
package that is free.
The above four
key packages are the core of any Practice.
If you are ready
to dump your pirated software for a fully legal
and professional option then you will want to
know where to get the 4 Key Practice
Applications.
You can get them
NOW, right here.
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Software
Matters
THE
OPEN
PRACTICE
