Illegal software isn't really supported at this forum for legal reasons. I have heard that warez versions of WindowsXP have a problem with Service Pack 2 or something along those lines. Other than that, I'm not a fan of warez in general although I'm sure many other people beg to differ. I can't see any other problems arising, however. Perhaps Microsoft has something up their sleeve, who knows. I'm probably not the person to ask on this.
cscgal
The Queen of DaniWeb
19,421 posts since Feb 2002
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Illegal software is a no-no. If the BSA contacts you, you may be pressed by a $20,000+ fine.
(Ed: The Business Software Alliance will find you one day. Their website is http://www.bsa.org if you were wondering.)
Just to remind everyone, TechTalkForums does not in any way associate itself with illegal software. Illegal is illegal no matter how little the crime is.
Tekmaven
Software Architect
1,274 posts since Feb 2002
Reputation Points: 322
Solved Threads: 28
why use illegal software anyway? suppose if you have problems with this. you will be stuck and then you will want to report the fault and wahey you are the BSA's fodder. go and spend a little money and buy yourself a proper software disc. it wont hurt and it'll spare you a jail sentence. theoretically you are stealing the copyright from the software vendor (in this case mocrosoft). copyright theft is big business and not right.
JANINE
Practically a Posting Shark
869 posts since Mar 2005
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Plus, we don't give support here if you're using pirated software ;) And the same goes for Microsoft. Which means if you ever have a technical support problem, you're outta luck.
cscgal
The Queen of DaniWeb
19,421 posts since Feb 2002
Reputation Points: 1,474
Solved Threads: 229
yep. theres just no point in it
i know that at least when im using proper software there is help.
JANINE
Practically a Posting Shark
869 posts since Mar 2005
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I would quite like to buy Microsoft office, but I can't afford it because other people keep pirating it, (or at least thats what MS says)
I've decided to use OpenOffice instead, can't you just use Linux.
MartyMcFly
Practically a Master Poster
678 posts since Feb 2005
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Im using MS office and Open office without any problems. you can get hold of perfectly legal copies of MS office from trusted sites like ebay. i did and it was fully packaged complete with product key. try amazon also
JANINE
Practically a Posting Shark
869 posts since Mar 2005
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I'll reverse the question / if you wrote a nifty piece of software and spent a lot of time and effort on it, would you appreciate someone stealing it. How about your car? Having been in this business for many years, I´m constantly amazed at how many people don´t have any problem at all in ¨borrowing¨ or ¨copying¨ copyrighted material, even though they would be up in arms to the police if someone ¨borrowed¨their car.
I just went on the web and found WinXPpro for $49 and combo WinXPpro/Office 2003 for $99...
My caveat: I don´t have any problem at all paying for a software package because if I don´t, that company won´t be in business long to produce more. As for the many complaints about Microsoft, most who complain still use their products, whether they like them or not. But once you pay, you should be able to put it on as many computers as YOU own. I´m only talking personal here, not business.
zeroth
Nearly a Posting Virtuoso
1,226 posts since Mar 2005
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definately not. copyright theft is illegal and its depriving the company of whats rightfully theirs. its like going in to a shop and taking something without paying for it. crime.
i have fun writing my own programs anyway using visual basic and visual studio.
JANINE
Practically a Posting Shark
869 posts since Mar 2005
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I'll reverse the question / if you wrote a nifty piece of software and spent a lot of time and effort on it, would you appreciate someone stealing it?
Careful... I have made quite a few nifty piece's of software on multiple platforms. I have written programs as far and wide as an anti-spyware assistance program, to a web based sign up (CGI) package, for ISP's, complete with an optional Perl/Tk Administration Program, and released them all as open source.
Comatose
Taboo Programmer
2,910 posts since Dec 2004
Reputation Points: 361
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What´s your point? I applaud your efforts and generosity. However, this thread refers to efforts that are made to generate profits, an entirely different goal. In our capitalistic system, companies have to make profits or cease to exist...
zeroth
Nearly a Posting Virtuoso
1,226 posts since Mar 2005
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Granted, but all I'm saying is that a "how would you feel" about people stealing your programs, isn't necessarily a valid point. Granted someone "borrowing" or stealing your car is a good and valid point, but there are plenty of people who write programs for people to use and modify. I'm not advocating piracy here, but keep in mind that not every programmer has a problem with people using/copying their software.
Comatose
Taboo Programmer
2,910 posts since Dec 2004
Reputation Points: 361
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OK, I'll grant you the point. But I maintain that you are not stealing if the program is freeware.
And I still compliment you on your generosity. People with your attitude are the reason the computer industry and the internet became so large so fast. We need more like you
zeroth
Nearly a Posting Virtuoso
1,226 posts since Mar 2005
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Granted, but all I'm saying is that a "how would you feel" about people stealing your programs, isn't necessarily a valid point. Granted someone "borrowing" or stealing your car is a good and valid point, but there are plenty of people who write programs for people to use and modify. I'm not advocating piracy here, but keep in mind that not every programmer has a problem with people using/copying their software.
To draw a parallel to the commercial side of the "how would you feel" question posed: I, too, have written and distributed works under the GPL. Nowadays I usually do it under the BSD license, but that's a different subject. Since you release GPL code, how would you feel if you were in the situation like the PearPC guys are in right now? Someone took their code, incorporated it into their proprietary work, and now they're claiming that the simlarities are just coincidental.
Even though money is not at stake, I'm sure that would hit a nerve with you. I know it certainly does with me! Technically, that's piracy just as much as warezing a copy of XP, in my book.
alc6379
Cookie... That's it
2,820 posts since Dec 2003
Reputation Points: 186
Solved Threads: 147
Careful... I have made quite a few nifty piece's of software on multiple platforms. I have written programs as far and wide as an anti-spyware assistance program, to a web based sign up (CGI) package, for ISP's, complete with an optional Perl/Tk Administration Program, and released them all as open source.
i only write them for my use. :cool:
JANINE
Practically a Posting Shark
869 posts since Mar 2005
Reputation Points: 51
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