Be a Smart Shopper: Know Your Software

What Is the Competition Bureau?

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality services. Headed by the Commissioner of Competition, the organization investigates anti-competitive practices and promotes compliance with the laws under its jurisdiction.

What Is the Competition Act?

The Competition Act is a federal law governing most business conduct in Canada. It contains both criminal and civil provisions aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices in the marketplace.

What Is the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act?

The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act requires that prepackaged consumer products bear accurate and meaningful labelling information to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The Act prohibits the making of false or misleading representations and sets out specifications for mandatory label information such as the product's name, net quantity and dealer identity.

Know Your Software

Computers and computer software are evolving very rapidly. What do you need to know when you buy software? Here are a few tips.

Minimum/Recommended System Requirements

When you purchase software, be sure to read over the minimum and recommended system requirements stated on the packaging. Does your system meet or exceed them? Sometimes the features portrayed on the packaging or claims about the speed and ease of use relate only to the recommended system requirements, not to the minimum ones.

Pictorial Representations

The screen examples on the packaging represent pictures and graphics that you should be able to reproduce by using the minimum system requirements, unless otherwise stated on the packaging. When you use the software, you should be able to accurately duplicate any of the examples shown on the box.

If you are unsure whether your own computer can reproduce the examples shown on the packaging, ask a knowledgeable salesperson.

Bonus/Free Offers

Always check the availability of promotional offers, and ask the salesperson to verify details of any applicable conditions. Unless it is qualified on the outside of the packaging, a promotional offer that is not available in the area where the software is being sold may be a violation of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act or the Competition Act.

Shareware

Shareware is a type of software that allows you to "try before you buy." Shareware can be purchased or downloaded from the Internet free of charge. In some cases you receive a limited version of the software. In other cases, the software can only be used for a limited period of time, at the end of which it may cease to function or pop-up screens may appear asking the user to register.

Registering is usually done by paying the owner of the software a specified amount. In return, the owner may give you a code to unlock the software or may send you a complete version. Each software component included in a collection of shareware usually requires separate registration and payment.

Multi-User Games

Many games claim as a feature of the product, "Internet & Modem Play." This means that two or more users can simultaneously play the game from different locations. It also means that each player may have to purchase a separate licensed copy of the game in order to participate.

The pertinent information on multi-user play is usually stated in the product manual. However, the manual may not be available to you until the software game is opened after purchase. If the terms of the multi-user play are not readily available, ask a knowledgeable salesperson at the time of purchase.

Technical Support

Most software packages contain a phone number, fax number and Internet address for technical support. While technical support services may be advertised as free, this may mean only that the advice is free, but you may be charged for the call. Pay close attention to the type of phone number that is listed. Be sure to read carefully all conditions and requirements for using such services.

Software companies' Internet sites normally have frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers, tip pages, downloadable patches and E-mail addresses to reach technical support.

Another way of contacting the company is by mail. Canadian legislation requires all prepackaged consumer products to show the name and postal address of the company responsible for the product. This information must be shown on the outside packaging.

Return Policy

Check with your retailer regarding the return policy for unsuitable goods. Many stores only accept returns of defective software.

How Do I File a Complaint?

If you believe that someone has in some way contravened any of the legislation enforced and administered by the Bureau and you want to complain, you can telephone, fax, e-mail or write the Bureau at the numbers listed at the end of this publication.

The Bureau conducts its investigations in private and keeps confidential the identity of the source and the information provided. However, if someone has important evidence about a contravention of any of the acts the Bureau administers, that person may be asked to testify in court.

The Bureau produces CD-ROMS and publications on various aspects of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. To find out more about our CD-ROMs and publications, contact the Information Centre: Information Centre Competition Bureau 50 Victoria Street Gatineau QC K1A 0C9
Toll-free: National Capital Region: TDD (for hearing impaired): Fax: Online: Web site:	1-800-348-5358 819-997-4282 1-800-642-3844 819-997-0324 Enquiries/Complaints www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
This publication is only a guide. It provides basic information about the Competition Bureau and the acts it administers. For further information, you should refer to the full text of the acts or contact the Competition Bureau at one of the numbers listed above.