Computer Software

Before access to the internet became so widespread most computer software was purchased on discs or CDs, however now that most computer users have internet access in their own homes most companies that create computer software distribute it through downloads. The latest editions of computer software can usually be downloaded from the software company’s website after the user has paid using a credit or debit card or some other method of online payment.  However hard copies of computer software on CDs or DVDs are available for most programs and these can be bought from shops or ordered online. However, there have been many examples of computer software that is only available through a download.

Producers of popular items of computer software are facing a problem from the number of people who are illegally downloading their products. A huge number of people make use of file sharing programs and bit-torrents to gain access to illegal versions of computer software, and this costs software companies a huge amount of money every year. As a result most modern computer software carries some form of copy protection and license keys and serial numbers are used to prevent illegal copies of computer software being distributed. However despite the best efforts of software companies to protect their products somebody will always find a way around their protection methods and illegal versions of the latest computer software soon ends up on the internet for people to download.