Pirated and OS software are different things, obviously. But would you prefer one over the other? I’m thinking of switching to both OS software AND pirated software. Just want opinions and tips from this community.

  • Random Dent@lemmy.ml
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    3 days ago

    I have a few personal rules about it, eg. I’ll try not to pirate smaller, independent things where it might conceivably screw over the creator, but other than that it’s all fair game IMO.

    As a side note, it’s been interesting to grow up hearing non-stop from the corporate world that piracy is evil and is killing art or whatever, only to watch them do a full 180 in the last couple of years now that they need to pirate the entire internet to train AI.

    • IttihadChe@lemmy.ml
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      3 days ago

      My only rule is that I won’t pirate it if I would otherwise buy it and not do without it. Either way they make no money from me, but sometimes after pirating I’ll want to actually buy it.

  • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de
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    4 days ago

    I prefer to use FOSS software. There is a risk of getting malware from pirated software. Even if there is no malware, commercial software usually has lots of tracking and telemetry anyways.

  • UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml
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    4 days ago

    History will thank pirates for keeping our cultural history preserved and safe from for profit leeches that would burn every single book in existence if it made them a dollar.

  • theherk@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    If a provided service is good and made accessible reasonably, I’ll use it and happily pay. As soon as it is intentionally obtuse or consumer hostile, say no more; I take to the seas.

    But in all cases, I prefer FOSS first. It is generally better, more secure, has more vibrant communities, and represents a dying breed of freedom that we all need.

    • nfreak@lemmy.ml
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      3 days ago

      This is the way. The same goes for media too. Look at the state of streaming services, DRM, and digital storefronts, it’s a shitshow

      • HiTekRedNek@lemm.ee
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        3 days ago

        What’s hilarious is, Netflix damn near killed piracy completely. Until every single network decided to do it themselves.

        They forgot the most important part of piracy. Access.

        I am NOT paying for your entire streaming service if I want to watch a movie.

        Not to mention, a LOT of older movies should be in the public domain by now, and therefore free to watch. But nope, in fact, many older movies are simply gone. Never to be seen again.

  • Mikelius@lemmy.ml
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    4 days ago

    I’m honestly… In the middle.

    My home network is covered by a VPN, which means I can’t use streaming services without punching a hole for my home IP and sacrificing a little privacy - which I’m not willing to do. I’ve gone through my part and contacted providers to lemme through, without success. Even Amazon who CLEARLY knows my name and mailing address still won’t let me watch things even if I own Prime…

    So yes, I pirate movies and tv shows. I’ve tried to cooperate, but if my money isn’t enough, then so be it.

    Video games I no longer pirate, I’m content with Steam. I also backup all my installs on an external hard drive in the unlikely event Steam goes under or a company demands pulling a game from my profile.

    This is no longer true for Nintendo. Their latest attitudes have resulted in me deleting my account and becoming a loyal pirate for Nintendo games. They literally turned me into what they’re fighting, ironic right?

    I also no longer pirate general software because 98% of the software I use are FOSS, self created, or just free+offline in general. The other 2% is software I purchased because it was a lifetime permanent license and for software I felt deserved the money for support.

    So yeah big tech is my main enemy. If I need something and they won’t work with me without ransoming my privacy and rights, then yeah so be it.

  • sawyer@lemmy.ml
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    4 days ago

    people will hate about this, but as long as you didn’t installed malware, and you blocked pirated software with firewalls (simplewall:https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall), you can have “privacy” because it never connects to internet and you don’t give anyone information. so shoot for it if you want.

    • FMT99@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      Far be it from me to criticize people pirating this software but after some period of adjustment I’m very happy with the open source alternatives to most of these.

      • mamotromico@lemmy.ml
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        2 days ago

        Nowadays I’ve transitioned from all adobe software, but I’d be lying if I say I don’t miss them. Photoshop in particular is so good to use.

        • FMT99@lemmy.world
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          2 days ago

          That’s fair, in all honesty it’s a great tool. But in the end it’s not worth it.

      • darkguyman@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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        4 days ago

        Yeah tbh I don’t actually use adobe products at all. I only want windows and games so that’s why I asked this question in the first place, piracy also included of course.

    • darkguyman@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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      4 days ago

      To clarify, I use FMHY as my piracy wiki. Also, does disabling my internet also prevent connection of pirated software or no?

  • That_Devil_Girl@lemmy.ml
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    4 days ago

    Generally, if software was affordable and their business model is ethical, I wouldn’t pirate it.

    If a company is charging a subscription for something that has no business being a subscription, I’ll pirate it. If a business is stealing data or willingly collaborating with evil people/governments/regimes/etc, I’ll pirate it.

  • iddqd404@lemmy.ml
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    2 days ago

    I am conflicted about it.

    I was a teenager in the 90s and piracy back then was new and was an act of rebellion, a fuck you to copyright assholes and a way to stick it to The Man (whatever that means).

    Now I think more about the damage that it could cause to creators and developers, but also I don’t like to support predatory and exploitative platforms, so I could say I have become more selective with my piracy, and whenever I think it’s fair, I will pay for the thing I have pirated if I like it/find it useful/think the price is fair.

  • NKBTN@feddit.uk
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    3 days ago

    Ethically? If you would’ve bought it if you couldn’t pirate it, you should probably buy it.