Computer giant helps shop which broke law

COMPUTER giant Microsoft is working with an Oldham shop caught selling illegal software to customers.

Union Street-based PC Assist had to pay an undisclosed amount in damages after admitting the offence and hard disk loading (selling PCs with unlicensed software pre-installed) but has now teamed up with the multinational corporation.

It is one of 11 computer shops across the country that had faced court action after being caught selling illegal software over the last four months but have reached a settlement with Microsoft.

The software supplier, founded by Bill Gates, says it is clamping down on rogue traders and encouraging consumers to be vigilant when it comes to buying computer programs.

Ian Gardner, from PC Assist said, “We recognise that we weren’t installing Microsoft software correctly, and that’s something we take seriously.

“We’ll be working with Microsoft over the next few weeks to make sure what we do falls within its software rules from now on.

“It’s good to see Microsoft working with small computer traders like us to ensure we’re up to speed on the right way to use and sell their software.

“Getting it right is important to us and to our customers — the lifeblood of a business like ours.”

Microsoft has taken legal action against more than 100 high street computer shops over the last 18 months, and says UK piracy is a growing problem.

The firm says the tough action aims to protect unsuspecting consumers and honest local businesses, both of whom are innocent victims of such illegal trading.

Shoppers can be left significantly out of pocket, and genuine businesses are exposed to damaging losses by rogue traders cutting corners.

Microsoft UK anti-piracy attorney Graham Arthur said: “Microsoft will always make concerted efforts to catch rogue traders and to combat piracy at all levels, but consumers have a role to play too.

“If pirates realise they are being fought on both fronts, we believe they are less likely to try to rip customers off in the first place. Savvy consumers, who know how to tell the difference between the genuine article and illegal or fake software, can protect themselves and their friends and family from being duped by unscrupulous retailers.

“In the UK, it’s estimated that nearly one in three computer programs installed on PCs are unlicensed, and what many people don’t realise is that the machine they bought from their local computer shop could have come with counterfeit software that may be infected or harmful.

“Using illegal software puts users at risk of losing personal information such as bank details, holiday and wedding photos, and music collections that they have carefully stored on their PCs.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, Oldham Council cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “Oldham Council is committed to take action to ensure fair competition, through goods and services being correctly described.

“We support Microsoft’s action against rogue traders who supply illegal software to unsuspecting customers and put the future of honest retailers in our area in jeopardy.”

Microsoft gives advice on how to spot fake software on www.microsoft.com/howtotell