2007-02-08 15:23:07 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
That is certainly not something you should broadcast. Is it wrong? In what sense? Moral or legally?
Morally, I do not think that a multi-billion-dollar company who profits from making flawed software that endagers the systems of it's users should be the moral compass for anyone.
Legally, it is against the law most everywhere in the world (copyright) and it's certainly a punishable offense. Copyright law is no joke and the DoJ does investigate their infringement. If you really like Windows just buy it legally - elimate all the risk you take. More than likely you or a friend goes to a school which offers extremely discounted full versions of the software. (Most places <$20USD)
In the end it is your choice - no one makes the decision but you in regards to obeying the laws in this area. Best of luck!
2007-02-08 15:31:39 · answer #1 · answered by rewter 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In the same way the spammer above me is. There's the ethical and legal issue of stealing software, of course, but there's more than that. When MS implemented their Windows Genuine Advantage program, they found 114,000,000 pirated copies of XP. Over a hundred million. Of those, only 50,000 contacted Microsoft and proved that they had legitimate copies.
Now, imagine what the world would be like if even half of those 114,000,000 users had legally downloaded and used Linux, or switched to the Mac OS. Both Mac and Linux would be serious contenders. The Microsoft monopoly would be broken. there would be a lot more innovation and software development for all three platforms and users would have a lot more choices.
By stealing Microsoft products, you've helped Microsoft retain its monopoly, which has left everyone in the world poorer in terms of innovation and development in computing.
2007-02-08 23:37:56 · answer #2 · answered by Rose D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really... You arent very safe eiether though. Illegal windows is much easier to hack if you cannot download the security updates. Why use an illegal system when there are perfectly good legal ones available for free? Ubuntu Linux is quite nice and you might have some fun playing aourn with it.
http://ubuntu.com
2007-02-08 23:27:39 · answer #3 · answered by Katey W 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A survey result showed that 85% of the people are using pirated software and in the case of home users 92% use pirated. In the case of home use there is nothing wrong in using them but you wont get any updates for the software you use. So better go for original if it is more important for you.
2007-02-08 23:29:50 · answer #4 · answered by Dark Prince 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm amused. Poor old Bill Gates.
And if you want to use Windows Genuine Advantage with your "unofficial" Windows, go here: http://www.9down.com
You can also turn on automatic updates if you want to. Some things won't get installed without the hack, but the security updates will.
2007-02-08 23:34:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No worse than if you pirated your friend's CD and downloaded it on your computer. Piracy is piracy, wheter Windows or Windows Media.
2007-02-08 23:28:05 · answer #6 · answered by Tman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you're the reason that the evil Genuine Advantage has been sicked on the rest of us. Now go spank yourself and go to bed.
2007-02-08 23:25:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. Infact, your a resourceful and brilliant. You just saved yourself $40. Congrats!
2007-02-08 23:26:33 · answer #8 · answered by Herbal 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
join the 30 million other people.
2007-02-08 23:25:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, if you get caught by cops, that's bad. If you continue, but not caught, u r ok
2007-02-08 23:26:25 · answer #10 · answered by krismerdtotherescue 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋