Can someone please tell me what is considered piracy?
is limewire, ISOHunt, What is shareware(freeware)
2007-06-08 00:59:40 · 7 answers · asked by cynshar 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Using Limewire or any other P2P file sharing program such as Kaaza or Bearshare, (free or paid) to download any copyrighted music, movies, software etc, without paying for it, is illegal in the USA.
Basically, it comes down to this: if you are downloading anything that you would normally pay (for or purchase) and you are NOT paying for it then you are stealing it. And in most countries stealing is illegal.
It is fairly rare, but people do get sued and fined for using these P2P programs. Such as this girl here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/09/09/the_riaa_sees_the_face/
Also, many of the files that are downloaded using these programs are bundled with viruses, trojans, spyware, and adware. Always scan everything you download using any P2P program with your anti-virus and anti-spyware software before you use then.
2007-06-08 03:19:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not illegal to download shareware or freeware that is available in the net to use it for limited period of time or continuously. But downloading a trial version and cracking the files are entering the unauthorized serial numbers are called as illegal piracy.
So dont worry when you are using Shareware or Freeware.
2007-06-08 01:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by Shan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Limewire and other p2p file sharing programs are safe to use unless you intend to download copyrighted material such as a copyrighted music file or video.
And please don't confuse the two 'freeware' and 'shareware' concepts.'Freeware' is obviously free completely,but 'shareware' is in fact free only for a limited period.Search for 'freeware' and 'shareware' in the Answers to find other related questions.
2007-06-08 01:08:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only illegal if you violate the TOS (Terms Of Service). Some authores do not allow the downloading of their software from unauthorized sites. As a rule Shareware and Freeware is not illegal to download.
2007-06-08 01:04:30 · answer #4 · answered by acklan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's legal to operate a file sharing website, but the content may or may not be. If you aren't diligent about getting rid of illegal content once a complaint comes in, you could suffer the same fate as MegaUpload.
2016-05-19 22:04:27 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it IS legal to download shareware and freeware.
Google for: define: shareware
Then, Google for: define: freeware
Also, if needed, search for the terms at:
2007-06-08 01:04:36 · answer #6 · answered by ELfaGeek 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
No, it is not legal when it comes to copyrighted material.
2007-06-08 01:02:34 · answer #7 · answered by adi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋