Romanian president Traian Basescu loves software piracy and told Bill Gates during press conference that "Piracy has helped the young generation discover computers." Basescu added that piracy has helped Romania become an IT powerhouse in Eastern Europe. Gates, apparently aghast at the statement, had no comment.

The press conference was held in Bucharest to celebrate the opening of Microsoft’s newest global technical center. Basescu said, "Piracy has helped the young generation discover computers. It set off the development of the IT industry in Romania."

Software piracy is a big problem in many countries, but is particularly prevalent in Eastern European and some Asian countries. Last December, we were able to purchase Windows Vista Ultimate discs in Thailand for a cool $3.50.

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