Internet piracy has raged across the internet for ages. However, since the invention of high-speed broadband internet technologies (such as DSL and Cable modems) computer users are able to pirate material at such an alarming pace that it has turned into a major concern for businesses. Computer users are merged on a digital network with seemingly unlimited resources and content to access at their fingertips. And they can do this almost instantly thanks to the high-speed internet services. The most important aspect of this is the reasons why computer users pirate software in the first place.

Individuals have many of reasons of why they choose to pirate software and media. The most common excuse for downloading anything whether it be music or software, is because of the price. Common business software such as the Microsoft Office package (which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook) can cost up to $600. And if the individual was faced with the task of designing a web site for their business, one would do well purchasing Microsoft’s FrontPage or Macromedia’s Web Studio software package combined, these products have a

So far, the scare tactics have managed to work on Internet computer users. Record sales continue to soar. And because of the legal action, the RIAA has managed to bring it to national attention through the media, that downloading copyrighted music is in fact wrong. Another way that the RIAA has succeeded in managing to sway the activities of computer users is by persuading them to purchase music online by subscription service. The biggest hit so far is computer giant Apple’s popular music store “iTunes” which lets users purchase individual songs for 99 cents a piece while giving them a massive music catalogue to browse through. Rhapsody, Audiogalaxy, and the return of popular music client Napster also have similar ‘pay-per-song’ type services. Combined, these new alternatives to music piracy outdo and may eventually get rid of the effects of music piracy.

The media industry feels like they’ve been forced to take drastic measures to ensure that they remain in business. So, in order to take a stand and fight internet piracy, various multimedia outlets have begun to take legal action. Microsoft, as well other companies have begun to sue, and in many cases, managed

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