Is Downloading Software from Warez Sites Illegal?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legality of downloading software from warez sites, particularly focusing on the implications of accessing pirated software and the associated risks. Participants explore the consequences of such actions, the enforcement of laws, and personal experiences related to malware and software innovation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that downloading software from warez sites is illegal.
  • Others question the effectiveness of law enforcement in catching users of these sites, noting that many users and site operators remain undetected.
  • There are claims that IP tracing may be a method used to identify users, though this is presented with uncertainty.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for malware on these sites, with participants sharing personal experiences of encountering malicious software.
  • One participant suggests that the prevalence of warez sites could hinder innovation in software development.
  • Several participants discuss strategies for safely downloading software, such as using a separate computer for downloads and scanning files before transferring them to a primary device.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that downloading from warez sites is illegal, but there is significant disagreement regarding the enforcement of these laws and the risks involved. The discussion remains unresolved on the effectiveness of current measures against warez sites and the implications for software innovation.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the legality and enforcement of downloading from warez sites depend on varying interpretations of law and jurisdiction, which are not fully explored in the discussion. Additionally, the discussion includes anecdotal evidence regarding personal experiences with malware, which may not be universally applicable.

pivoxa15
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Are free downloads of software on 'warez' sites illegal? i.e. There are sites which offer full version of Mathematica and other expensive software for free, which seems too good to be true. If so why don't the authorities do something about it because there seem to be many sites that allow this.
 
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But the site maintainers, uploaders and downloaders don't usually get caught? Because these sites are relatively easy to find and have lots free stuff on them.

How would you catch one of the users anyway?
 
Last edited:
Ive heard that they trace your ip or something by the amount of outgoing (uploading) files you have. Its probably wrong but that's what I've heard.
 
Most of them provide false information about having free stuff in them. They're just using that to attract visitors. I would also suggest you not to visit those sites, as the majority of them have malware and other malicious stuff that can be uploaded into your computer.

Trust me, this is from experience :P
 
pivoxa15 said:
But the site maintainers, uploaders and downloaders don't usually get caught? Because these sites are relatively easy to find and have lots free stuff on them.

How would you catch one of the users anyway?

a lot of them are in countries that won't bother investigating.
 
fizziks said:
Most of them provide false information about having free stuff in them. They're just using that to attract visitors. I would also suggest you not to visit those sites, as the majority of them have malware and other malicious stuff that can be uploaded into your computer.

Trust me, this is from experience :P

That's why you buy a crappy computer for downloading and then transfer to your main computer when you "certified" it as good. By checking it and such.

That's what I do.

I got a computer I call the "downloading" station.
 
The theory goes that if too few people buy software, innovation will be limited. I think it's true that innovation is limited.
 
JasonRox said:
That's why you buy a crappy computer for downloading and then transfer to your main computer when you "certified" it as good. By checking it and such.

That's what I do.

I got a computer I call the "downloading" station.

Haha i have the same thing. I download on my crappy laptop and transfer it to my desktop and run a scan after i import. Works like a charm! Then if it crashes, since its a dell, i just reinstall the OS!
 

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