I wonder does anyone like pirated software?

[Jack_O'neill]

I agree, the OSS options are really good that you can do just about all you want with very little in software these days. Sure some exceptions can pop up depending on what you want to do but for most out there it can be done.

True, and I was talking mainly about a start up venture too. There have been many machine shops that started with a drill press, welder and torch that came from a pawn shop or flea market or estate auction, that grew in to amazing operations with dozens or hundreds of employees. The point I was making was that you can start small and on a shoestring and build it up with out the need for pirated software.

In my opinion, using pirated software is no different than using a shoplifted printer.

[f700es]

Oh I agree Jack. You make due with what you have and then deal with it until you can get what you want. What you need and what you want are two different things.
About the only thing I can't do without is Windows but you all but get a free copy when you buy a new PC so it's almost free. Parting out my current Dell at Newegg comes to $138 more than I payed for it and that is without a copy of Win7. So pretty much a free (legal) copy. The main reason I stopped building my own.

[StykFacE]

I used to use pirated software, especially building systems with Windows. I have left that mentality in the dust. I like paying for software simply because of the support alone. I upgraded my home machine from Vista to 7 a few months ago and I just went to my local store and bought Win 7 Pro outright. No worries when Windows Updates gets going, or my key not working, etc. Bought Office too. I think if you are going to legitimately use software then you should legitimately buy it.

[f700es]

Yep, my son needed it for school and we tried OpenOffice and while it works they used Office in the labs so we went that route to avoid comparability issues. We went in with my wife's Aunt and we bought a 3 license park and split them. It was pretty fairly priced in that route. $120 or so for 3 copies, not too bad.

[JD Mather]

Yep, my son needed it for school.

Students can get student license of MS Office - cheap.

[f700es]

Yeah that's what we did. The 3 pack of the student/home edition. $120 was the lowest I could find. My son is not in college so could not use any of those routes if they are any less expensive. $40 a copy, hard to beat!

[BlackBox]

As a Computer Animation student certain software applications were made available to us outright dirt-cheap... I think I paid $10/ea for Windows XP Pro, and Office 2003 (back when they were still new). I'd also throw hardware into the mix... While a student, I setup a 'business account' with Dell, after making up a business name, one without a Tax ID, and was able to purchase awesome hardware for dirt-cheap as well (legally!).

On the flip-side, we had teachers blatantly show us how to pirate the school's licenses to certain software titles, so that we could practice from home. I do regret adopting that mentality to begin with, and stopped doing so many years ago.

Now, in the business world, I thankfully work for a large, international employer that is on subscription, and I as a CAD user can have any and all current CAD related software installed upon request (practically... A small justification is necessary; lemon squeezy). Also, as a result of the size of my employer, I also get discounts on software... Office 2011 for Mac was only $10, as one example. Saved a bundle on hiring movers last month too (another corporate discount)! LoL

[Derrick022]

I don't use nor do I recommend that others use pirated software.

Are you using pirated software?

Interesting that this question is being asked by someone from the country most associated with pirated software and the theft of intellectual property.

I think your words are offensive! It's undeniable that every country is full of pirated software and also borrows the technology from other countries. It's known to all that much of technology in the world are originated from China, should I say that the these countries are theft? Why do you give some examples what things do China steal from you?

[Derrick022]

China is a big country, lets not accuse anyone shall we.

You as two questions; Does anyone like pirated software? and Is it necessary to use copyrighted software?

As far as pirated software goes, I am on board with ReMarks comment - I don't use pirated software.



If it is necessary to use copyrighted software - that depends on what you need to do. There is freeware out there that are perfectly good for home use, some cases, much more that a home designer would ever need.

The question about copyright in general - now that is a murky subject.

I should say that we should not deny the whole because of its bad sides. Every country will have many problems with its developing stage. There are laws and regulations for software piracy crackdown in China. I also don't use pirated software.

[Derrick022]

Thank you for your information, I'd like to write something about this. I wonder how to solve this problem.

Is this question for a school report?

See the fine calculator here
http://www.bsadefense.com/about-the-...-bsa-fines.asp

for reference on copyright
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital..._Copyright_Act