I think what they are refering to is P2P file sharing, such as a BitTorrent or a Kazaa. When talking about the later it sure as heck is very dangerous to use such a devise. People put in things embedded into files for all sorts of reasons. When I was a foolish college student I ended up getting over 100 items of spyware onto my computer using P2P downloading services. Swore off of them ever since.
It would not surprise me that there is a possibility that CP peddlers might put a few pics embedded into otherwise benign programs that appears for other uses on such services. They don't care if a person not interested in such things accidentally downloads them along with the pirated software they happen to receive, so long as their actual clientele gets the package. In fact, it's a good way to do it so that when a passerby does find out what's going on they are less likely to report it. What are they going to do? Go to the authorities and go. "I was pirating Microsoft Word, and what I found embedded in this folder-- well my Word..."?
It is certainly a defense that could be used, whether or not that's what happened in this case, I cannot be sure. But certainly when one pirates, they may want to be sure they're only getting the 'booty' they are looking for and no additional 'packages'.
Me? I hardly use the software I buy to their fullest extent, so why would I bother taking some I may not use anyway. If I don't wanna pay for it, it's probably not that important for me to have. Too much risk for too little reward.
I think what they are refering to is P2P file sharing, such as a BitTorrent or a Kazaa. When talking about the later it sure as heck is very dangerous to use such a devise. People put in things embedded into files for all sorts of reasons. When I was a foolish college student I ended up getting over 100 items of spyware onto my computer using P2P downloading services. Swore off of them ever since.
It would not surprise me that there is a possibility that CP peddlers might put a few pics embedded into otherwise benign programs that appears for other uses on such services. They don't care if a person not interested in such things accidentally downloads them along with the pirated software they happen to receive, so long as their actual clientele gets the package. In fact, it's a good way to do it so that when a passerby does find out what's going on they are less likely to report it. What are they going to do? Go to the authorities and go. "I was pirating Microsoft Word, and what I found embedded in this folder-- well my Word..."?
It is certainly a defense that could be used, whether or not that's what happened in this case, I cannot be sure. But certainly when one pirates, they may want to be sure they're only getting the 'booty' they are looking for and no additional 'packages'.
Me? I hardly use the software I buy to their fullest extent, so why would I bother taking some I may not use anyway. If I don't wanna pay for it, it's probably not that important for me to have. Too much risk for too little reward.