What do you think about people pirating software and the people using pirated software?

Question

I live in a country where most people cannot afford genuine software so they mostly rely on piracy in order to stay up to date with technology and work.
I realize, reading Y!Answers, that in countries where copyright laws are strictly enforced, the average people are deprived of the opportunity to learn more because they can’t afford genuine software either.
Only a minority of computer geeks know enough about ICT to handle software because they probably spend all their earnings in computers.

Don’t get me wrong, I do not approve piracy but I believe that most programs are overpriced. I’ve heard the story about prices going up to compensate for the loss incurred from pirated software and I think that it’s a lame excuse. Software companies earn Zillions despites piracy. They still could make it a lot cheaper and eventually reclaim a large market share.

da3rdxsa... Of course it is stealing but when it comes to survival, stealing becomes necessary. Would you put in jail someone for stealing a piece of bread?
People in developping countries need a job as much as you do and if you're a computer illiterate, finding a decent job becomes more and more impossible.
This is the 21st century. Either you learn computer technology or live like a chimp in a tree.

Answer 1

People would steal for the sake of stealing, whether the price is reasonable or not. It's a fact of life.

Using pirated software for many folks is a way of sticking their finger at the the rightful maker of the software, basically saying, " I beat you ". In the end software does take a price hike to meet profit expectations for software makers.

Answer 2

There is no difference between stealing software and the shoplifter in the mall. They are both stealing.
They are overpriced anyway? Go to Macy's and steal a $40 shirt and tell the policeman that it is overpriced anyway. See how that works for you.
If you think it's overpriced, don't buy it. But don't use that as an excuse to steal.
The company earns zillions? So it's morally acceptable to steal from someone that has more wealth than you? If someone with less money than you broke into your house, you would be okay with that? I don't think so.

Stealing is stealing.
and
A thief is a thief.

edit - Stealing bread and stealing software are completely different things. You don't eat software. You don't NEED software to survive. If you can't afford to buy the software, then you can't afford the hardware to run it. Will you steal that also?

Answer 3

Most software is free if a person just need office and learning software.
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/
As mentioned, most people will steal even when they can afford. The other day I read an article about free services on the Internet. Many give for free, but, may ask for a small donation to keep the web-site going. They said, it very seldom anyone will give money. Everyone wants it for free.

Answer 4

I think there's pros and cons. Most would say the act of using pirated software as infringing copyright law. However like u say, in some countries, softwares are overpriced so I feel turning to pirated ones is not they do it on purpose but because they can't afford it. if it's for a good means then i think it is ok.

:)

Answer 5

No matter what you or I think of the price of their software, the fact is it cost a lot of money to pay for designing, writing and testing software then produce and market that software.

Answer 6

Nope, stealing is stealing. And stealing, via definition is taking with out permission, it is precisely what making use of pirate application is. So if a "real Christian" did that, that they had be sinning, AND breaking the regulation.

Answer 7

one thing Ive found is where software is concerned there is usually a free alternative to most programs so i don't believe you need pirated copies of software just look for the free versions