Some time in the 1990s, an Indian friend who used to visit Ukraine frequently (for reasons of the heart) told us about software like Office, Windows and AutoCAD being openly sold in Kiev and elsewhere for 25 cents.
Today, we were reminded of that conversation when we read a piece in CNET that Adobe Photoshop CS4 is available at a 99.99% discount in Vietnam.
Yes, Photoshop CS4 is sold for $1 in Vietnam as against the list price of $698 (On Amazon, it’s $588.99).
Obviously, the 25-cent Windows in Ukraine and the $1 Photoshop in Vietnam are pirated stuff.
We left India before the PC and Internet era came into full bloom.
But anecdotal evidence from India suggests that our homeland is no different when it comes to piracy.
With rampant piracy plaguing Bollywood movies, it’d be a surprise only if computer software were not pirated on an equally massive scale in India.
We don’t know much about Ukraine or Vietnam but when it comes to Indians it’s not just about the high price alone.
The DNA is as important when it comes to massive piracy.Â
You see, the Indian DNA is for the most part hardwired to steal and cheat.
There’s a certain pride in not only stealing but also bragging to friends and Continue reading »
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