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Confessions of a Warez Addict..........

(16 posts) (8 voices)

Started 16 years ago by FreewareFan
Latest reply from hamstergirl

FreewareFan
Member

Hello all.

I have something that I'd like to get off my chest, so to speak.
They say confession is good for the soul, so I'm stepping up to the plate to face my faults. You see, for the last 6 years, day after day, month after month, year after year,
I have been addicted to searching for, finding, and downloading major release programs, all with one simple purpose in mind. I called it *extended evaluation* of the software.
Simply put, I was stealing software from individuals and companies alike, and justifying
my actions by several rationalizations that I won't go into now. At one time, I had all 4 of my HD's filled with illegal software, not to mention having a library of well over 300 DVDs crammed full of copies of such programs. When I first started, it gave me a sort of rush to be able to activate an expensive program that I knew I would never be able to afford, and then to use it as if it were my own. I believe that's what hooked me right from the start, the feeling of power and accomplishment.

Well, as of late, I have had a complete turnaround of heart and conscience. I have simply made a 180 degree change in my attitude! And the really GREAT part of this change is that I get that same feeling of a rush when I locate and install a freeware program that I used to when I did the other programs. I simply had no idea in all that time that I could search for, obtain, and install programs that were for the most part just as good as the ones I was stealing. But the better part of the payoff is that now, when I install a freeware program, I get an extra feeling of achievement because I know that what I now do is legal, and my conscience is free from any feeling of guilt I may have once had.

One of the reasons for my change is visiting this very website. It slowly dawned on me that I really did not need to do what I had once done. Over a period of time, I have removed all illegal software from my computer and my home, all to be replaced by completely freeware programs! I even went so far as to search out the legal Windows Code sticker on the bottom of my computer so that Windows is even running in legal mode. And I couldn't be happier about the change in my life, and in my habits! I just wanted to let whoever reads all this know that this website, and others like it, are responsible for changing at least one person in this world from very bad habits!

And if per chance, any of you readers now viewing these words happen to be involved in any *warez* activities, please take a moment to reflect on my confession. You too can be guilt free, and really feel good about yourself and what you do in a positive way.

Well, if you've read this far, many thanks for letting me get all that off my chest, and for letting me share with you all that there is hope for people such as the way I was, just by the good efforts of others! It's good to do the right thing!

NOTE:
Oh, I might as well add this for any law types reading: I have gotten rid of all evidence of my past activities, and at no time, whatsoever, did I sell any software to ANYONE! That was the one moral value I held to in all that time, I never, ever, did it for any kind of profit.

Posted 16 years ago #
Michelle
Member

http://seclists.org/isn/2004/Sep/0068.html

That article is from a couple years ago, but it is still true. Yes, you might be getting something for nothing, but is it really worth it when you figure all the damages warez software can do? Why not just buy it or if you can't wait for something to be given away for free.

http://www.massachusetts.edu/hardwarefaq/faq.cfm#1

I would also run a scan on all your hard drives if I were you http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp

Posted 16 years ago #
Anonymous
Unregistered

Seems like someone is after absolution.

I bet 99% of people that install pirated software don't even use it.

Posted 16 years ago #
FreewareFan
Member

@Michelle - Thanks for the links, for the most part, all true and to the point! And no need for me to do a scan, because I performed a deep wipe of all my drives before installing a legal copy of Windows and the freeware that I now use.

@Lee - I believe you perhaps misunderstand the purpose of my post. The motive is not for absolution, rather for motivation. My absolution came with the removing of all illegal software from my computer and my home, and more importantly, the change in attitude I now practice and believe. It is my motive and hope that the post will, in some small way, help to enlighten any readers that are currently active in *warez* to reconsider and re-evaluate their activities.

As to 99% of people not using their pirated software, I cannot make comment. As to myself, I can attest to the fact that I used probably near to 60% of all my installed pirated software on a weekly, if not daily, basis. But then, please consider that in my case, ALL my installed software was pirated.

But, I digress.... Again, it is my desire that the point of my post be taken as motivation, not as any self-acclamation or desire of redemption from others.

Posted 16 years ago #
jinkazama
Member

well, i use Acrobat Pro 8... although...

Posted 16 years ago #
FreewareFan
Member

@jinkazama - Yep, that was one of the programs I used to have installed. But I'll let you in on my experience with that program... All I ever used it for was to view .pdf files. That's it, period. I never used any of the other Pro features at all. I have found that Foxit Reader does the same job for me, with the added benefit of being completely free!

Something you might choose to consider........ :-)

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

And Foxit Reader is 10 times faster to load and display PDF files than Adobe Acrobat.

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

A very good read FreewareFana. I hope you feel better and stick to your new "Point of View" on software. Alot of people think that all software should be free because they don't feel it as "Tangable" as things they can put there hands on but the guys and gals that work there butte off developing the software are great folks with a great insight on what can make things better for all of us in this cyber world and deserve every penny they can get. If they can't make ends meat then software would simply stop coming,,,,,,,,,,,then where would we be!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW,,,,,The first thing that all cadets are taught in the academy is this.

1. Admit Nothing
2. Deny Everything
3. Demand Proof

I wouldn't be confessing all over the net if I were you. Simply chaulk it up as a bad mistake and let it go. I use to be the hunter,,,,,Please don't become the hunted!

Posted 16 years ago #
FreewareFan
Member

@Archangel - I've "stuck to my new point of view" for well over 6 months now, and nothing will change that for me! As for becoming the "hunted", there's absolutely nothing here for anyone to "hunt". Every thing's gone, long ago. I was never a part of any *group*, and I never sold any software, so on the bigger scale of things, I really was small potatoes.

Trust me, I thought over my post very well before I made it.

Anyways, I do agree with you about software authors' right to make a living, and the future of software development. Thanks for ringing in on this one!!

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

Very Good FreewareFana. One thing you did point out is how good this forum is. It seems that whenever anyone is looking for a certain type of software, many chime in and post links to freeware that does the same thing and in alot of case's, does the same job better!

On another note,,,,,,,,,has anyone heard from BigThunder1 lately???? I remember him posting about not being around much but seems that he's gone!

Posted 16 years ago #
hamstergirl
Member

Archangel, I was about to ask you the same thing regarding BigThunder1 - sure would like to hear from him, its been a while.....

FreewareFana - thank you for your post - I have seen you in the comments section recently and wondered why you chose that particular name...Good for you! I bet its nice to feel that you don't have to watch your back so much anymore. While I have not shared in your particular activity (I haven't been computing long enough to understand pirating, let alone know how to do it, lol!), I DO understand the thrill of running down an awesome piece of freeware! I used to work for a really sweet old man in an insurance office who liked to say "It's the thrill of the kill that makes this Johnny run!". Always thought it kind of a silly thing to say, but after being online 24/7 for the past 9 months hunting down graphics oriented freeware, I understand what he meant now. I am disabled and I spend most - okay, all - my time painting on my computer. But lately, it feels like the real thrill is from finding a new freeware program to play with as opposed to mastering all the ones already there...;)

Archangel has given you some very good advice (if you haven't already figured this out, he used to be a cop. And he's a good guy - now don't you go making a liar out of me Archangel,lol!) Anyway, he's right about keeping this to yourself. I understand what your motivation is for posting here, but be careful of where you do this. I realize that you have "cleaned house" so that proof of your past activities isn't a problem, but you don't want to find yourself alienated, or even targeted by some judgemental person who is not predisposed towards forgiveness. Too often these are the same folks who are indulging in illicit activities themselves and like to hide the fact by publicly attacking others, and as viciously as possible. So do take a care. Here in this forum - people are cool, and some folks go WAY out of their way to assist others, particularly when it comes to looking for freeware alternatives. If you only read the comments on the frontpage, you would never guess how good this forum is, lol!

So, you just keep on doin' what you're doin', and you'll be just fine!
Cheers,
hamstergirl

Posted 16 years ago #
FreewareFan
Member

@hanstergirl - Hi there, very nice to *meet* you!! Thank you for the kind words, and also the insights as to my post. Good words of advice, which I will take to heart!

You know, since you specialize in graphics programs that are free, would you mind taking a look at my newest post requesting a photo editing software? Thanks!

Posted 16 years ago #
ldahl
Member

This is for Hamstergirl: Have you tried Pixia? It is a super great paint program who's author is Japanese. He has been improving it for years and he keeps it free and as far as I know never intends to charge for it. It is available in many languages...English, French, Italian, Hungarian, German and Polish are some that I know of. The author really listens to the needs and wants of the users. If you haven't tried it, I can recommend it highly. I own high end graphic software but I also love to hunt down the worthy freebies and shareware. I've found little programs that just plain work better for a given task than the bloated expensive editors. It's all in the coding,the smaller programmers sometimes have a fresh outlook.(and better algorithms)Have you tried the VicMan softwares or IrfanView?
I've only been here for a couple of months,but I have learned so much from this site and the forum, such as the word, kludge!! The comments are little gold mines. I have come to expect a certain amount of them are going to be rabidly negative and there are always the lost souls that can't seem to read:)))... but even that is good to know.
It's been cool getting to know the people that hang here.

BuBBy you are super in my books, you really go out of your way to be a help.

Posted 16 years ago #
hamstergirl
Member

FreewareFana (or is it FreewareFanatic? I kinda like the first one better, lol!) I'm gonna mosey over to your other post and answer there- just didn't want you to think I've forgotten you!

Idahl - Funny you should mention Pixia...I've been doing some homework before I answered another post by FreewareFanatic/Fana on photo editing software, and had just discovered a newer version of Pixia has been released (and Pixia does support layers!). D/l'd it, but haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but I have really enjoyed the program in its earlier incarnation, so I'm sure this will be good too! And I have used VicMan as well - found it here in fact, in the GOTD Library. Never did seem to play well with my computer however, and I just recently uninstalled it. Shame, it had some nice features, like compatibility with PShop filters, and it came with a great PShop plug-in by Fantastic Machine(?) called Paint Engine (also freeware and worth hunting down). Now I don't have any high-end graphics programs, just a few, oh....let's call them "high-ER" end programs (meaning I either paid $50 to $150, or got them in a bundle with my Wacom ;-),like Photoshop Elements 4), and I agree with you 100% about the freeware/shareware products - they all have at least one function that you can't find anywhere else, and if you got the room for it, having those choices available can really make the difference in your work. Ha, between that and the programs from GOTD, I finally broke down and bought the biggest external hard drive I could find, so now I'm REALLY dangerous! Anyway, thanks for the info. I haven't gotten around to Irfanview yet....maybe later? Viewers are something I've got covered.
Cheers
hamstergirl

Posted 16 years ago #
ldahl
Member

Ok, I got your Paint Engine(awesome plugin, THANKS!)...works great in my ErfanView, which by the way you must try. I can't believe you've missed out on the King of graphic freebies. I've used it for years and years. The author was from Bosnia, went to the University of Vienna and started writing the program. That was quite awhile ago and he keeps upgrading it and others have written plugins for it too. It is a lean mean little graphics machine... to say it is a graphics viewer is like saying the Earth is just dirt. It does everything from sound files, to slide shows and as for graphic manipulation, it is in a class of it's own. Easy to use with a small footprint. I won't even go into all its functions and benefits here, just let me say if I could only have one freebie... this would be my choice, hands down. http://www.irfanview.com/
Don't you love your Wacom? I'm needing to replace the pen nib on mine and I know I have three of them around here somewhere...but...where?!? :))))
I'll remember the pinch of salt! Like I said, I'm pretty new here(I saw a screen saver review on a blog that gave a link here,(It was the big steam-punk style clock))I didn't even use a screen saver except for the stars one, but I thought that was pretty cool looking. A lot of the commenters here were moaning about the saver, but my gamer boys loved it, my graphic clients loved it and my authors loved it. Everyone wanted it, but I was the one that got it for free!!!heheh! "It's the thrill of the kill that makes this Johnny run!" Love that saying!

Posted 16 years ago #
hamstergirl
Member

Idahl - uh oh, I've created a monster!!!

I had a feeling when I was typing earlier and referred to Irfanview as a viewer that I would most likely regret it....shows at least that I get some things right! Okay, I'm down for it, count me in. Glad you liked Paint Engine - do you know about the Impressionist Plug-In? Here's a link for it:
http://www.trimoon.com/html/downloads.html
And this link will show you what it can do:
http://www.photoshop-filters.com/html/impressionist.htm
Every time I see this mentioned in a forum, its always listed as the persons' favorite plug-in. I use it in PShop Elements, but I also got it to work in Deep Paint (but in VicMan). Also, check out the transparency filters in the first link - they are a real timesaver, one eliminates all white from your image, and the other takes care of the black. If anyone is interested, I know of a few others, but my poor paws are all typed out for the day!
BTW Idahl, I only got to take a quick peek, but that is one seriously beautiful site you have (yeah, I'm a big Dogwaffle fan too, it was my first freeware download!).
'til tomorrow,
hamstergirl

Posted 16 years ago #

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