Have you ever used pirated software? Downloaded or installed a cracked program?
With programs that can cost an arm and a leg, I know there are many people who justify their actions. I believe it’s straight-up stealing. How about you?
From 1966 to today, the history of software piracy:
I find Bill Gates shift in perspective interesting.
[via BitRebels]
BenJPickett says
I completely agree with you. Piracy is stealing.
Bill Gates perspective change was in a very positive nature for the direction of Microsoft at the time. With pirated software so much easier to steal than say TV’s and whole computers, people are much more likely to steal what they want rather than what they can get away with or for the thrill of the crime itself. This implies that if they if they are stealing it, they want to use it. The authors still have the software license out there, claiming that tiny share of the market; that illegal user base presents larger numbers to investors with advertising and usage statistics.
Trying to prevent piracy is still important though. By developing stronger anti-piracy measures, people get better at breaking them. Some of those hackers will trade their hats in for one in the shade of white and start writing stronger encryption and better anti-piracy measures. While it sounds futile, this is very beneficial economically and to build stronger authority in the electronic security fields.
One thing I find a little odd are the piracy rates on the Mac OS’s. I never would have guessed those numbers.
Eric Dye says
I thought the Mac OS numbers were interesting, too. Great thoughts, man.
Samu says
i found this information really interesting. software piracy is not new by along short. i had to write an essay on the ethical issue of software piracy and its a very convincing argument that it is unethical. thanks for the post
Eric Dye says
Sure thing!