SCHOOLS in York are at the centre of a probe into illegal software copying - and some fake PC products are being sold at the city's car boot sales.

Microsoft UK has issued a warning to schools in a bid to try and stop them being prosecuted, and the City of York Council has pledged to run another awareness campaign.

Now head teachers in York are to be made aware of the dangers their computer classes could be unwittingly stepping into.

A recent software survey by Microsoft suggests up to 40 per cent of schools in York are sitting on a legal timebomb.

It revealed widespread confusion and apathy over software licensing, with some schools admitting they may be unwittingly breaking the law through the illegal copying of programmes. Microsoft has produced a guide on software theft, and is sending it to every head teacher in York.

David Burrows, head of Microsoft's education group, said: "I believe Microsoft and the IT industry as a whole have a responsibility to work with the education sector to help the understanding of software theft and the associated problems such as the increased risk of viruses." John Thornton, principal IT manager in education at the council, said: "We have given advice in the past to try to raise awareness of illegal copying of software, but it seems appropriate that we address the problem again."

Andy Williams, a computer expert at York's Fourth Generation Solutions Ltd, said he was aware of illegal software copying taking place in the city.

He said: "I've seen many warning adverts in the PC press, with Microsoft saying how their products are being illegally copied.

"I would imagine that, in this case, some schools might buy a computer package which contains Microsoft products, and they might be copied with a CD re-writer.

"People who work here have even seen that sort of thing being sold at car boot sales in the area."