Do you pay all your software ?

[toast]

I would like to know what real proportion of Mac users pay their software. Of course I'm not interested in who does and who does not around here, all I'd like is a reliable statistic.

Definition of paying the software: give the money for it.
Opposite: entering serials, hacking installers, using Carracho, etc.

If I get censored for this, I'd like to know why please, because I don't see what's the problem with such a thread. By the way, Ed's new icon I like a lot

There it goes !

[Cheryl]

Yes, I pay for the software I use. Especially the shareware.

[SCARECROW]

For everything except Office vX.

I dont pay for Office, because I hardly ever use it, only to open the odd word doc, etc...

I do a lot of beta testing, so most of my main use software,(Adobe, Macromedia, etc..) I end up getting for free, so... not a big deal. But, even when I first started developing, I paid for just about everything I had...

Write a book or two or create a user site dedicated to a software program, and all of a sudden you get requests from companies to beta test their software.

I am still trying to figure out a way to get into Apple for beta testing...

Also, I will be making one illegal copy of Jaguar, as I am still pissed about the lack of upgrade pricing... so my father and I will "share" a legit copy...

Anyways... there you have it..

[culo77]

I am one of the few people that use the cracked software but if I like it I GO AND BUY IT

I think if a programer makes an awesome product, We as a people should pay him or the company manly for gratitude for a job well done.

But dont get me started on some software which is sub-par and over priced.
Yes Office X looks neato from the one time i used it but DANG $500 for the thing???????
shoot for that price i could buy a clamshell on ebay

content deleted

I do say i love cracked software and use it always!!!!!!!!!!!

Crack kills

[jocknerd]

I can't figure out whether to pay my software in cash or by check.

Seriously, I don't buy too much software. I've been spoiled by open source. There's just too much software out there for free. I haven't found a commercial product that I couldn't live without.

[stizz]

I have different feelings on the issue.

If I need to know how to use (program x) in order to find work. And said program costs more than 50 bucks. And I'm trying to feed myself as well keep a roof overhead and my electricity and isp on. And cant afford it.Then I think it's okay to pirate that program.

When I start making money due to the use of that program, then it's time to buy it.

My logic may be flawed, but then so is the whole concept of intellectual property and copyright.

Should not I be able to go to a public library and check out a copy of Photoshop? I mean software is merely literature written in assembly language. Go deeper and its just a collection of 1's and 0's. Copyrighting that is like making up a random string of numbers and claiming you invented it.

-devils advocate extrodinare-

[toast]

I have different feelings on the issue.
If I need to know how to use (program x) in order to find work. And said program costs more than 50 bucks. And I'm trying to feed myself as well keep a roof overhead and my electricity and isp on. And cant afford it.Then I think it's okay to pirate that program.

Can I point out the fact that:
1) There are plenty jobs you can do without the software you are talking about.
2) Your employer should provide you the software.
3) Unless that's homework, which means you're earning money on the back of the developers you robbed the product from.

When I start making money due to the use of that program, then it's time to buy it.

See point 2). You know, the people who write software also have a roof, also eat, also want an ISP. Your logic means the developer starves until you make money of his product, and then you dare buy it. Just imagine if society worked this way…

My logic may be flawed, but then so is the whole concept of intellectual property and copyright.

Can't see the point, here. If your'e talking of concept here, I recommend Adam Smith, not intellectual property nor copyright .

Should not I be able to go to a public library and check out a copy of Photoshop? I mean software is merely literature written in assembly language. Go deeper and its just a collection of 1's and 0's. Copyrighting that is like making up a random string of numbers and claiming you invented it.

Books are written for consulting. Not software. I can't build a website with a poetry book. I can't EARN money reading Mary Higgins Clark. You CAN make money pirating Adobe Photoshop. Which means there is a fundamental difference between software and literature, don't you think so ?
But that's a rather funny comparison, in fact , I like it a lot ! LOL

[Snyper M]

I purchase programs I can actually afford and need. If it's not worth the money then it's either not really that useful or simply overpriced.

Right now on m comptuer I have all legit software that I had at one time cracked to see just how indispensible it was. In this way I've purchased Stuffit, Graphic Converter, Quicktime 6, Windowshade, among a few others possibly.

I tried office for a whiel and actually ditched it as It's not essential for me and yes the open source alternatives are starting to look promising. Can't wait for an aqaufied open office. Most of the itme if you have a program sitting ther for a while you'll find out you actually rarely use it. I find this with games especially. I usually test them so to speka ofr a week or two to see i it keeps my interest. So far only Civilization has managed to do that. plus I'm a big fan of Sid.

I must say it's difficult sometimes to legalize software you technically already have, along with mp3s. But in the end I do feel betetr about it and hope that whateverm oeny I use to patronize these devlopers and artists will lead to even better products in the future.