[citation][nom]ak47lt[/nom]A lot of people in developing countries use pirated software only because it is so easy to get it. It is generally not considered a crime by public and open source is very unpopular. I think such trials could make at least one good thing - teach people that there is more to life than just pirated Microsoft products (Linux, OpenOffice...). And even if Microsoft is an absolute must, then it is not so expensive in relation to the whole PC cost...I lived in Lithuania for a long time, so I know the situation...[/citation]
I would disagree. Even basic software counting OS, office, Antivirus can easily get more expensive then whole computer hardware.
Maybe companies like Microsoft should consider reduced pricing for countries where majority cant afford it instead of suing.
If you pay your 1-2 years savings you are not going to spent another 6-12 months saving for BASIC software.
And with linux, I bet you find even less people capable to use it when they barely work with windows as unfortunately its not something you could learn in elementary or high school.