Pirated Software and MP3's

[jculver]

So after a few long days I am finally stolen software free This week God reminded me that most of my software was not mine, and that it was stealing to even be using it. I had been using it all for so long that when I came to Christ I didn't even realize it was sin. Everything I had was pirated...

All my MP3's
My Version of Windows...
Adobe Photoshop
Dreamweaver MX 2000
Microfsoft office (Word,Excel etc)
...

The list goes on and on. It's all gone though now and I thank God for reminding me that I had that going on. Im currently rockin a free version of linux lol... It's not too bad once you get used to it. Anyway I wanted to tackle this issue a little bit because I think there are multitudes of ways of justifying using pirated software, to the point where many don't even think of it as sin, but I am certain it is a sin.


How can it be stealing? I am just making a copy it isn't like I "took" anything. I made a copy, and the originol is still there!

Digital objects are a complex concept. If we really look at them they are not even "things", they are really just data stored in the memory of a machine or a media(CD/disc). However they do have an obvious value or there would be no desire to make copies of them, or even have an originol.

When you buy a digital object (a peice of software or an mp3) you are not buying the data stored in memory, most companies will let you download the software for free, but you indeed purchase the license to use the digital object. What you pay for is a license to use the time and skill that went into making the digital object.

So when you use an illegal copy of software, or an mp3 that you didn't pay for, you are stealing a license to use it.

I still don't think it's stealing...

Ok, even if you could make a valid argument that copying software or mp3's is not stealing, it is against the law. As Christians we should be model citicens:

1 Peter 2:13-16

What about a backup copy?

Backup copies are most often legal if they are in fact only used for that purpose. For more info, use Google to search for "Fair Use" and backup copy.

Anyway I figured I would just touch on the subject because this is an internet community of sorts and it seemed fitting

 

[scottie75]

I must be honest I dont have any pirate software on my pc and stuff, BUT as I read through your post, a HUGE niggle hit me right in the heart, i have been putting off getting rid of the few (there really are not that many) pirate DVD's in my collection, and the copied CD's that I have had for some time - there has been something telling me recently to get rid - they are essentially stolen property and I understand that!!

Thanks for the prompt - God speaks to us in many mysterious ways!!

 

[mounty]

ok is it wrong when i buy a dvd and make a copy for my friend even though i bought it and paid for it
I have been wondering about this
All the software i have on my computer and everything else inculding MP3s etc i have bought and paid for myself.

 

[Abraxix Storm]

So does this mean i'm goinna go to hell????

cos i'm the same as you jculver the only difference is i know it's wrogn but i can't do a thing about it... no job and no way to get money, my brother has all the origionals to things i'm using but he gave them all to me. like "copies" of them and serial key's and what not cos he knows i can't afford it. so yeah. am i goinna be going to HELL????

 

[sebi]

i've been thinking about this for a while...

in Romania, almost everyone uses pirated software. Everyone! Including myself. Without it, most of us wouldn't have software in our computers because of the prices, and the difficulties that arise in trying to get originals here. As i said, i've been thinking about this issue... But i don't know how to nail it - as sin or just something illegal. I look around and almost all christians i know ( a lot of them having a burning passion for God ) use pirated software.

i'm going to be on the look-out for replies on this thread...

 

[Chad]

So does this mean i'm goinna go to hell????

cos i'm the same as you jculver the only difference is i know it's wrogn but i can't do a thing about it... no job and no way to get money, my brother has all the origionals to things i'm using but he gave them all to me. like "copies" of them and serial key's and what not cos he knows i can't afford it. so yeah. am i goinna be going to HELL????

You can't do anything about it? Yes you can. You refuse stolen software. That is your option. Did anyone force you to use pirated software? I think not. Having no job or money is not an excuse at all.

Also, please consider using the spell checker. The "abc" button is on top right of the editor.

i've been thinking about this for a while...

in Romania, almost everyone uses pirated software. Everyone! Including myself. Without it, most of us wouldn't have software in our computers because of the prices, and the difficulties that arise in trying to get originals here. As i said, i've been thinking about this issue... But i don't know how to nail it - as sin or just something illegal. I look around and almost all christians i know ( a lot of them having a burning passion for God ) use pirated software.

i'm going to be on the look-out for replies on this thread...

Again, no excuses. Just because "everyone is doing it, even Christians" does not make it right. It is still stolen property. Have faith in GOD that HE alone will provide your needs without you stealing from others who work hard to create such software. The prices may be high, but no one forces you to buy them. There are so many free sofware out there called "open source" or "freeware" that are just as good. You need to research.

Web 2.0 Workgroup - A network of Web 2.0 resources
OSDir.com :: Open Source, Linux News & Software
224 Resources on Windows opensource and/or freeware - Listible!

Open Office is free, equivilent to Microsoft Office. That saved you about $600+ right there. Thunderbird is free email client equivilent to Outlook / Outlook Express.

Think of this: you work for a living creating software. Someone steals it from your hands without paying. Excuses?

 

[Fellowservant]

I have to agree with brother Chad on this, if its not yours to take then its stealing. I had a none genuine copy of windows once and Satan kept trowing it in my face or accusing me of theft, he is the accuser of the breadren. So i threw it in the garbage and God gave me a way to buy a leagal copy:star: We can rely on God for our needs, the bible is full of these promises We should use our faith, and God will honor it with a blessing, poor or not:shade:

I was a poor man just a few years ago, and i mean poor... i couldn't work, still can't... but that don't stop God from blessing you with his power, faith changes things. Im not saying you will have a rose garden life, but its a lot better life with God pleased with you, and his power working on your behalf...

God gives to the poor as Paul would say. Praise his name.:star: There are saints out there who rely on fraud and theft to get ahead, God is not pleased with this.


The key is asking in prayer for your needs, with faith believing that God is a rewarder to them who continually seek him


Pro 28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.



God bless

 

[Chad]

Luke 11:28
He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

 

[jculver]

So does this mean i'm goinna go to hell????

cos i'm the same as you jculver the only difference is i know it's wrogn but i can't do a thing about it... no job and no way to get money, my brother has all the origionals to things i'm using but he gave them all to me. like "copies" of them and serial key's and what not cos he knows i can't afford it. so yeah. am i goinna be going to HELL????

i've been thinking about this for a while...

in Romania, almost everyone uses pirated software. Everyone! Including myself. Without it, most of us wouldn't have software in our computers because of the prices, and the difficulties that arise in trying to get originals here. As i said, i've been thinking about this issue... But i don't know how to nail it - as sin or just something illegal. I look around and almost all christians i know ( a lot of them having a burning passion for God ) use pirated software.

i'm going to be on the look-out for replies on this thread...

I think like Chad said, both of you guys should get a Linux OS. They are free... I would download kubuntu, it is a free OS, and the most like windows. Also like Chad said use Open Office for Linux. It does everything that Microsoft office does. You can download kubuntu and it comes with Open Office, but if you have trouble downloading it send me a private message. I would gladly send you a copy anywhere in the world. I am currently using kubuntu and open office because they are free and right now I don't have the means to get a full Windows OS. God will bless you when you make the right choice. Maybe you will even get all of your friends to stop using pirated software etc. and cut out a huge chunk of sin from your comminuty. Surely God would smile upon you Any questions feel free to post them.

ok is it wrong when i buy a dvd and make a copy for my friend even though i bought it and paid for it
I have been wondering about this
All the software i have on my computer and everything else inculding MP3s etc i have bought and paid for myself.

I believe it is Mounty. If you let him/her borrow it that is one thing, but to buy 1 copy and then act as if 2 had been purchased that is abusing your ability to make a back up copy. This issue is pretty complex because you are making a copy, so it is almost hard to see that it is a sin, but if your friend enjoys the DVD as if he bought it, when he didn't, then that is 15$ or whatever the company should have that they don't.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Under the copyright laws of the United States, any reproduction of copyright-protected material without the express written permission of the copyright holder is illegal. That would include copying CDs for friends.


SLE

 

[SpiritLedEd]

i've been thinking about this for a while...

in Romania, almost everyone uses pirated software. Everyone! Including myself. Without it, most of us wouldn't have software in our computers because of the prices, and the difficulties that arise in trying to get originals here. As i said, i've been thinking about this issue... But i don't know how to nail it - as sin or just something illegal. I look around and almost all christians i know ( a lot of them having a burning passion for God ) use pirated software.

i'm going to be on the look-out for replies on this thread...

If I'm not mistaken, all legitimate software makers market their products through thei own websites as well as through retail outlets and international shipping is available.

If that is true,it seems to me that no one can claim that they can't obtain the product.

SLE

 

[sebi]

i see your point Ed, but what would you do in my case? I studied informatics in high school and we had to use a lot of software that was just too expensive for most of us to buy (some didn't even afford having a computer in their homes) I'm at a computer university now and I'm still learning how to use new software that i don't have license for. The university just tells us to get the software the way we can. I can't afford buying the license for everything i study. Does that mean that we should quit university and high-schools?

 

[jculver]

i see your point Ed, but what would you do in my case? I studied informatics in high school and we had to use a lot of software that was just too expensive for most of us to buy (some didn't even afford having a computer in their homes) I'm at a computer university now and I'm still learning how to use new software that i don't have license for. The university just tells us to get the software the way we can. I can't afford buying the license for everything i study. Does that mean that we should quit university and high-schools?

If the University supplies it they have to have a student license. Microsoft and other companies make those extra cheap so Universities should be able to afford them. Look into it. There are a LOT of differences between a student license and other types of licenses etc. Many licenses allow them to have a copy at school and a copy at the students home. I know a math program called "Derive" has such a license.

As bad as it is, your gonna have to do a little research into what exactly you can and can't do per each software license.

Also I am curious as to what software you are using. Let me know, I am genuinely interested, and I might be able to help or offer suggestions.

EDIT: Also I just want to add that I really do want to help you one way or another. I don't like the idea of you feeling like you don't have another option so I truly will help you if I can in any way. I don't know what life is like in Romania, but hopefully we can help you here at Talk Jesus, Sincerely.

 

[Chad]

I'm a little geeky when it comes to the Internet so I can also help you greatly.

Please read this thread here (I will update it often)
Online Protection

The link above is a bunch of free software for safe and secure net browsing including browsers, spyware, adware, virus, spam, firewall, etc.

I found some awesome free software recently (and long ago):

Paint.NET (Adobe Photoshop)
Open Office (Microsoft Office)
Thunderbird (Outlook Express)

Don't forget the links I gave before. They provide hundreds of free software.

Web 2.0 Workgroup - A network of Web 2.0 resources
OSDir.com - Open Source, Linux News & Software
Listible! - 224 Resources on Windows opensource and/or freeware

 

[sebi]

Thank you for wanting to help me, jculver… Right now I’m learning Autodesk Autocad. But the reason I posted what I did was to show that this is a general fact in Romania.

I did some thinking about this topic and asked some people about this… I asked my pastor, a missioner I’m currently working with, a friend who has extensive Bible studies and others about it… Now they’re just people and they might be wrong, but when I have to decide about something that the Bible doesn’t speak about clearly, I ask my conscience and people that I know are born again Christians. All of them thought that this is a difficult issue…

What I understood is that there are convictions that may differ from person to person. You are justified to say that using pirated software is wrong… But when it comes to countries like Romania and others, I dare to say that things are different and my conscience is clean when I use software without license. If you want to know why I think this way, send me a private message, and I’ll reply. Most of you believe that pirating is a sin, so I don’t want to post something that will probably cause disturbance here…

hope you'll accept my view on this matter...

 

[Chad]

Brother Sebi, right is right and wrong is wrong. GOD is just, GOD is Holy, GOD is our provider regardless of circumstances. Do you not trust in the Lord to provide you your needs or do you take a shortcut by pirating software and making excuses about your country's matters? No, GOD is above all things, matters, circumstances and He can provide you what you need.

You need to go by faith, not by circumstances. Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding and others' "views". This is about GOD's views, not ours. Who cares about our views of what we think? Keep in mind we have Jesus Christ who we believe in faith by His grace. Jesus enables us to tap into the Kingdom of GOD for our needs.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding

Remember this awesome PROMISE from GOD spoken by Jesus Himself

John 16:24
You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

Regarding Auto CAD software, I did a simple Google search and found a bunch of free auto cad software
free auto cad software - Google Search

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Re: Pirated Software & MP3s

How easy it is for us to be talked into doing something that is wrong in order to obtain something that is attractive and useful. Satan is so adept at manipulating words[(See Gen 3:1 where he is said to be "crafty").

The devil whispers in your ear, "Hey, I know God says 'Do not steal', but this is different. Using pirated software is sssooo convenient and sssoooo inexpensive. Besides, you can use it to do sssooo much good."

The first human he spoke to in such fashion was Eve: "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the Garden?' The woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat from the tree that is in the midst of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"

'You will not surely die,' the serpent said to the woman 'For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desireable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened,and they realized they were naked................."(Gen 3:1-7).

Adam and Eve were duped by the devil on that fateful day and we,too, are duped when we allow him blur the distinctions between right and wrong.

SLE

 

[Chad]

Amen SLE!

Check out these other free software / services!

Office Live (website builder) click here

Expression Engine (advanced equivalent to Dreamweaver / FrontPage) click here

 

[Anonymous_poet]

Mmmm it's a bit of a grey area in my opinion,
Like cds, books, if you lend someone a book then are you encouraging them to "steal" the copyright?
Rather then telling them to go buy their own.
It could well be the same with saving pictures on the internet and stuff, its hard to understand as I don't really see any victims or any damage being done,
What about lending a friend a dvd is that the same principal or does it have to be exchanged on the computer?

 

[jculver]

Mmmm it's a bit of a grey area in my opinion,
Like cds, books, if you lend someone a book then are you encouraging them to "steal" the copyright?
Rather then telling them to go buy their own.
It could well be the same with saving pictures on the internet and stuff, its hard to understand as I don't really see any victims or any damage being done,
What about lending a friend a dvd is that the same principal or does it have to be exchanged on the computer?

The difference is that when you copy something, now people have more than what was paid for. When you lend a book only one person is using it at a time which is within the law.

It doesn't seem like any harm is being done? I don't know how you can say that when it is so obvious that 2 copies bought with the same amount of dollars as one copy, the company selling the media (dvd or whatever) is only getting paid for one. You are stealing exactly whatever the dvd is worth.