Which of the following software is full functional, but its use is illegal and data can be corrupted.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Pirated software
Pirated software is an unauthorised copy of a licensed program. It works like the original, so it is fully functional, but using it breaks the copyright law, and since it comes without the publisher’s updates and support (and often with hidden viruses), the accounting data kept on it can be lost or corrupted.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Option (1) Demo software — Incorrect. A demo version is given by the publisher for trial; it is legal but usually limited in features or in time, so it is not fully functional.
Option (2) Legal software — Incorrect. Licensed software is lawful to use and comes with the publisher’s support.
Option (4) Open source software — Incorrect. Its source code is freely available under an open licence, so using it is legal.