04-17-2009, 06:11 PM
Installing unlicensed copy of OS = theft. (criminal)
Installing a licensed copy of OS not as intended by licensor = breach of contract. (civil)
The former is considered immoral by the law and by most people. The latter is not immoral in the eyes of the law; however, some people may view breach of contract as immoral.
Ripping a CD that you own may be a breach of contract (read the terms of the license agreement), but it certainly isn't criminal. But if you sell or otherwise transfer the license of that CD and continue to listen to the music you ripped, that is illegal.
The fact that "everyone does it" does not make something less immoral, illegal or breachy. Back to my torrents!
Installing a licensed copy of OS not as intended by licensor = breach of contract. (civil)
The former is considered immoral by the law and by most people. The latter is not immoral in the eyes of the law; however, some people may view breach of contract as immoral.
Ripping a CD that you own may be a breach of contract (read the terms of the license agreement), but it certainly isn't criminal. But if you sell or otherwise transfer the license of that CD and continue to listen to the music you ripped, that is illegal.
The fact that "everyone does it" does not make something less immoral, illegal or breachy. Back to my torrents!