Every so often in the information technology (IT) industry, we hear reports about how software piracy has cost millions of dollars and how it has damaged the industry.
The other side of the coin seems to be media taboo. We are never told that software pirates may actually have helped the computer industry to become what it is today. Software piracy has popularised personal computing, generated probably billions in computer hardware sales worldwide and allowed many children to become adept computer users at a very early age.
This and the resulting dominance of personal computers have arguably generated enormous sales - perhaps more than the industry would be able to do alone.
So until the IT industry becomes efficient and its products cheaper, many Hong Kongers (and tourists) will continue to do their IT shopping in the Golden Shopping Arcade and Mongkok.
PETER YUI Stretton, Queensland Australia
