Is this legit or is it software piracy?

[MDesigner]

http://www.protosoft.org/

The prices look too good to be true. It says it's legit software with no box or manual, CDs only. The only fishy part is this, from the FAQ:

You get the CD(s) with the software in jewel case and labels. You also get the activation key, serial number or cd key necessary to activate the software. Note, that you will not be able to register the software with the manufacturer and get their support, but we will do our best to support you any way possible. This includes providing different updates and service packs. However some updates will still be available from manufacturers, in fact most of them.

Hmm... can't register it?? Why not? "Some updates" will be available from manufacturers?? So, what, we can't download the patches from the manufacturer's site? Why not? Because the software needs a cracked patch?

What's the deal with this site?

 

[TSDible]

This part makes me leary...

The software will be shipped from Europe, but all prices are in US Dollars....

??

hmmmm

 

[Homerboy]

you have to ask?

 

[n0cmonkey]

I think they market it as "backups" for software. At least one of these services gives you a link to the software key after you have purchased the product though...

 

[imported_jediknight]

The spelling and grammar make it sound as a less-than-legitimate operation.. combined with very significant discounts. I'd say this is an illegal operation, and you should report it.
It's possible it's legal (some OEM products don't come with support, for example).. but it seems too good to be true. Let the Business Software Alliance decide :->

 

[klah]

http://www.whois.net/whois.cgi2?d=protosoft.org

Domain ID😀105099121-LROR
Domain Name😛ROTOSOFT.ORG
Created On:06-Nov-2004 12:36:46 UTC

 

[torpid]

Of course they say it's legit. They want you to buy stuff they pay $0.02 for. I had the unfortunate experience of falling for an anime dvd site very similar to this software site. They said it was 100% legal and offered a "30 day money back guarantee". Wrong on both accounts - they were illegal bootlegs and there was no 30 day money back guarantee. It was a 30 day in store credit minus 15% restocking fee guarantee. 60 days later I've shipped the items back and had to contest the charges with my credit card issuer.