Ethical dilemma - Old computer software

[Stavros]

I don’t want to get too techie, but I’ll preface this with the knowledge that I have both a Mac and a “Bootcamp” installation that allows me to run Windows software on my Mac.

I have software on my computer that is technically pirated. I have two versions of the software, an older version (Windows) and a newer version (Mac). My husband had a copy of a license of the older version of the software for work, and I downloaded it on my computer a while back. In scrubbing my soul, it occurred to me that this was on my computer, and maybe it shouldn’t be. Here’s the circumstances:

a) The software was originally released in 2000. There have been 6 versions of the software released since this was new.
b) It is no longer available for purchase by the company, and not available even on sites like eBay as a used copy.

I also have a newer version of the software (2 versions ago, released in 2007) which is actually a Mac version, but it’s a similar scenario - friend with license sent my copy of software with license key. And again, the software is so old, it cannot be purchased by the company. However, that one is readily available in a used copy.

I feel quite guilty about the newer version of the software because in theory there are people losing money with this particular copy because it is available for purchase. I’ve gone to confession and said that I realize that it is stealing, and I will delete it from my computer. But the older version, I don’t feel quite as guilty about, because it’s not available anywhere, and my husband got the software before we even got married (we’ve been married 9 years). I have full confidence that no one is using this software at his former place of employment and that the original license is not being violated by having too many authorized users at once, seeing has how I’m pretty sure I’m the only one that’s used it in years.

I have found that when asking the question “Is this sinful?” most of the time the answer is “If you’re asking if it’s a sin, you’re pushing that line.” But on the other hand, I want to be able to go to my confessor with a full and honest confession. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Bobby_Jim]

I suggest you consult the great unbiased, neutral source of all wisdom: Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandonware

if what you’re describing fits the general description of “Abandonware” you will find there a quick summary of the legal conisderations, which should be taken into account in making a moral decision, unless for some reason the laws themselves are immoral.

 

[Stavros]

Sounds like a plan. I’ll talk to my confessor and explain that I have deleted the newer software as I said I would in confession, but remembered I had a very old copy of the software on my computer as well. I could delete it, but if I do, there’s nowhere for me to be able to buy a new copy of that version, and I did look in quite a few places. And see what he has to say.

Then again, I’m going to Tridentine Mass tomorrow, so it’s entirely possible he’ll say “Sacrifice is good for the soul.”

 

[po18guy]

Sounds like a plan. I’ll talk to my confessor and explain that I have deleted the newer software as I said I would in confession, but remembered I had a very old copy of the software on my computer as well. I could delete it, but if I do, there’s nowhere for me to be able to buy a new copy of that version, and I did look in quite a few places. And see what he has to say.

Then again, I’m going to Tridentine Mass tomorrow, so it’s entirely possible he’ll say “Sacrifice is good for the soul.”

As well, you can simply contact the software producer and ask. Since it is likely an obsolete program, they may have abandoned all claim to it, or simply no longer care. Either way, you will then be in the clear. I am guessing that they will be delighted to speak with someone actually asking about it.