Is this legal?

Sharkbait · Feb 6, 2005

http://www.tetrasoft.info/

Artemis · Feb 6, 2005

LMAO! I got looking at that site a while ago.
I came to 2 conclusions.
Its gotto be a scam! theres no way they wouldnt be billionaires with the amount of people buying.
Contact adobe, or another company that has a program listed there, see what they say about it...

Sharkbait · Feb 6, 2005

After digging through the site a bit, it seems that they're selling software that's licensed as "backup" copies. But they say it comes with a unique key. Sounds shady, but I figured I'd ask around here in case anyone has dealt with them.

Artemis · Feb 6, 2005

Well, Id still suggest contacting adobe...better safe than sorry

Shutterbug · Feb 6, 2005

I've seen this site and a few articles about it before - It's a scam, for sure.

I mean, if you don't mind pirated goods, it's an easy way to get overpriced programs for cheap, but it's not legit.

:\

Rob A · Feb 6, 2005

i also saw a site like his and i was sceptical about it. i havnt decided what to do yet. it say that it isnt boxed or anything i think. it was here

aghastpumpkin · Feb 6, 2005

OEM is a special version of software that means it can only be purchased LEGALLY with the purchase of computer hardware or with a new PC System. This site is msot definately a scam, it is noted everywhere on the web it is completely ILLEGAL to purchase OEM software without purchasing a piece of internal computer hardware.

" Be aware that you will not be able to register the software with the manufacturer"

This is because if you were to do so the company who makes the software will merely blacklist you. In the case of Microsoft, you may find yourself cornered.

" The orders are shipped by means of InternationalAirmail.
Unfortunately, this postal service does not provide the customers with any tracking information. "

This company do not want to offer this servcie because they KNOW that what they are doing is illegal.

"OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer. A retail version comes in a fancy box, OEM does not. A retail version contains a printed manual. The customers who purchase a retail version are eligible for tech support and different rebates. With our offer this is not possible - hence cheap prices."
Technically true, but cleverly worded to sound real and fair. They are not telling the whole story.

"PLEASE NOTE!
YOU'RE NOT BUYING ANY KIND OF SUBSCRIPTION. YOU'RE PURCHASING TANGIBLE GOODS (SOFTWARE) THAT WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR."

Why would they put this on their website? Because again they know what they are doing is illegal, and want to convicne you it is fair and real.

Also noticeable is the site lacks any identification. All etailers should have an address and various other contact details on their site. This has none.
If you have not found the software you are interested in, please fill in this form and we will add it to our inventory. You can also contact us about your order 24 hours a day."

Ahh. This is a dead giveaway. All they need to do is go onto a filesharing website, download an illegal copy and slam it onto a CD that is unlabelled "because its OEM".
Then they use a special "KeyGen" program to generate a product key for that product.
Do NOT purchase off these people!

Scurra · Feb 6, 2005

Hmmm I got OEM software from a legitimate shop in the UK... I had just built my own PC and didn't fancy spending shedloads of cash on a certain microsoft program and they mentioned they had OEM... It was on the shelf clearly labelled as OEM and priced down accordingly... This is a chain of shops in the UK that specialise in computer components, DVD's, console games and pretty much anything gadgety or electronic... Odd.

aghastpumpkin · Feb 6, 2005

Oh, I did a WHOIS search on the Buy USA domain. According to the search, that exact domain is listed for sale. This means that that domain is NOT the real domain address of the website you are loading. It is also a scam and is using a currently not-in-use domain name to cover their tracks.
What shop was that?

Scurra · Feb 6, 2005

haha i'm gonna give up my contacts.. it's CEX. Great place to go for a good deal...

aghastpumpkin · Feb 6, 2005

I've never heard of it. It sounds like they are selling it on the assumption you are going to buy hardware/full system as well. Maybe they just miss that sometimes!

Scurra · Feb 6, 2005

heh their site is www.cex.co.uk and they don't actually sell whole systems so I don't think that could be it.

aghastpumpkin · Feb 6, 2005

As quoted on the Microsoft UK Website.
"Software distribution
You can distribute individual Windows desktop licences either with fully assembled PCs or with non-peripheral hardware components.

For application or server software (such as Microsoft Office 2003 or Windows Small Business Server), you can distribute individual software licences only with fully assembled systems.
Top
Pre-installation
System Builders who distribute Windows software on a fully assembled PC must pre-install the software on the PC's hard drive using the OEM pre-installation kit (OPK) included in the System Builder Pack.

Using the OPK ensures customers can experience the Windows "out of box experience" and can customise their PC's settings. The OPK enables you to promote your business by entering your details into the system so that customers know where to go for support, etc"

Seems clear enoguh to me - these guys are breaking the law.