I believe one school in the UK did get caught and got fined very heavily - around £30 000? - for using illegal software on the school's network. Our network manager is very keen to avoid this!
But with really cheap older versions of Paintshop Pro, Serif PhotoPlus (£5.95 for v.7) or versions of Elements that come free with scanners etc, there isn't any real need to hack the top-grade stuff to be able to manipulate images.
So I don't feel the need to give my students software, and they have access to PS7 anyway on our school network.
Howard
Brian van den Broek wrote:
Bob Talbot said unto the world upon 08/04/2004 02:17:
I imagine software piracy is about as prevalent is schools as in business workplaces.
I wouldn't agree in the UK.
Most larger businesses here are VERY strict about having unlicensed software. That's got little to do with ethics, more a fear of HUGE fines if they are caught!!!
Where I work we even had to take IrfanView off our desktops because it's not free to commercial clients ;o)
Bob
Bob,
yes, your are probably right about large firms. I was thinking of small firms and that 'borrowing' the office's CDs overnight for a home installation seems to be pretty common.
I would think that the huge fines would be equally applicable if a school were caught, too. Though perhaps there would be less likelihood of pursuit for fear of looking bad going after education. But then again, the American recording industry trade association goes after teenagers . . . .
Best,
Brian vdB
