All the computers produced and sold in China must install authentic operating system software, spokesman for the National Copyright Administration Wang Ziqiang said yesterday.

Governments are especially required to purchase computers with genuine operating system software.

"As the operating system is necessary to a new computer, the requirement at this time is specifically focused on this type of software," Wang said.

No detailed list was given regarding the type of operating system required for installation.

According to a notice issued by three relevant central government departments, computer manufacturers and retailers that install pirate software will be punished.

The government document also noted that operating system software producers should provide a favorable price to computer companies.

Wang predicted that the price of computers will not go up after the new policy is adopted.

Computer manufacturers and operating system software producers are required to report their sales to the Ministry of Information Industry every year in February.

Those who refuse to do so, or those who provide fake figures, will be exposed to the public.

As for government, various levels of departments were required by another notice to establish a special fund on purchasing further software besides the operating system.

"This is a measure to ensure that all software used on government computers is authentic," Wang said.

Those computers with trademarks normally install authentic software, while most computers that are assembled by individuals do not, according to the spokesman.

(China Daily April 11, 2006)