is it illegal for the person using the a crack for something like windows vista/xp that the pirate people made? I know it is ilegal for them but what about the people using it.
2006-12-28 02:32:36 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Microsoft (in this example) require you to have a valid license in order to be allowed to use their software. Not having a license and attempts to circumvent them is illegal in most countries
whilst the crackers may not be popular with microsoft et al, it is probably unlikely that crackers could be held to prosecution (as long as they are not distributing the software itself) as they themselves have simply created a piece of software for 'personal research and recreation' as they would claim.
check out the case of DeCSS as a good example of this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeCSS
it did something naughty, but the burden fell on theose who used it, not made it.
This is why prosecuting P2P providers like kazaa was very questionable (the old prosecuting Ford, becauase someone got run over with one of their cars analogy)
2006-12-28 02:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by aflyer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think of it this way:
If you go to a flea market and buy a stereo system, then the police somehow find out that the stereo was stolen, it will be confiscated from you and you could potentially be charged with possession of stolen property.
This is similar to what can happen with pirated software. If you use a software and the company somehow finds out that you are using an "illegal" or unofficial copy, one of many things can happen:
1) They will inform you that the copy you have is not legal and ask you to buy a legal copy.
2) They will ban you from using their products or services, such as online games.
3) They may take you to court and try to make an example out of you to deter others.
I have not heard of anyone going to jail for violation of software license agreements.
If you have a good reputation and honestly did not realize you were breaking the law, they will usually handle the case quietly and you will just be asked to obtain a legal licensed copy.
2006-12-28 02:48:34 · answer #2 · answered by SteveN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes! of cos u are.
the person who use the pirated goods are just as guilty as the person who did the pirated copies.
2006-12-28 02:41:24 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you know or should have knoew it is pirated; you are responsible.
2006-12-28 02:36:44 · answer #4 · answered by Ubiquity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you didn't pay for there product and your using it, therefore your stealing.
2006-12-28 02:35:01 · answer #5 · answered by s keith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋