Is this illegal or sinful

[smndtupidisaftr]

We have come a long way since the printing press revolutionized the way we get our information. The computer has revolutionized it again. For better or for worse, digital distribution is here to stay. I personally feel that the answer is permissive and alternative licensing. But I feel that freedom of information will never gain the popularity it needs while big business is in charge of most of the distribution.

Their very existence depends on it!

But I’ve noticed a real revolution sparked by the internet. I’ve seen it with economics and I think the same thing is happening with Catholicism. People can finally look up information on their own and are no longer beholden to the interpretations of one priest.

 

[kiyoaki]

I have the sims 3 game on a computer. And I am not going to uninstall it because thats the computer I want it on. But I want to also put it on my laptop and play it there occasionally. Is it illegal?? Or sinful?? Thank you

It is good of you to be concerned because theft is sinful. Very few–if any–software companies sell you their product outright. Instead, they grant you the right to use it, often with many strings attached.

This is how software licenses are sold, and this is what you agree to when you buy them. Disagreeing with this sales model does not release one from the moral imperative to recognize the law regarding it.

That being said, I looked up the issue for you at EA games. Their sales model is based on accounts. You have not purchased any software from them, you have opened an account. Your account gives you access to a game that you’re allowed to play. But you don’t own the computer code that the game is made of.

Happily, your account allows you to install the game on multiple computers, e.g. answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Multiple-computers/m-p/293640/highlight/true#M16256

If you have questions about using any other software on multiple computers, the company involved will be more than happy to let you know what rights you have. Just visit their website and ask. It takes very little time and is safer than guessing.

 

[MaeganFlinchum1]

It is good of you to be concerned because theft is sinful. Very few–if any–software companies sell you their product outright. Instead, they grant you the right to use it, often with many strings attached.

This is how software licenses are sold, and this is what you agree to when you buy them. Disagreeing with this sales model does not release one from the moral imperative to recognize the law regarding it.

That being said, I looked up the issue for you at EA games. Their sales model is based on accounts. You have not purchased any software from them, you have opened an account. Your account gives you access to a game that you’re allowed to play. But you don’t own the computer code that the game is made of.

Happily, your account allows you to install the game on multiple computers, e.g. answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Multiple-computers/m-p/293640/highlight/true#M16256

If you have questions about using any other software on multiple computers, the company involved will be more than happy to let you know what rights you have. Just visit their website and ask. It takes very little time and is safer than guessing.

thank you so much!!

 

[pnewton]

But take my advice carefully, because I am anti-IP (in other words, I find copyrights and patents immoral).

Ditto. I noticed Microsoft is really bad about saying what the law is in areas there is no specific law. Growing up, I remember record companies said it was illegal to make copies of music for personal use. They said the same thing when digital music came along. The courts have consistently upheld that if you buy some IP, it is yours to use as you need, as long as you do not sell it or spread it.

I would love to sell some Microsoft exec a car, then repossess it saying he only had permissions for a one year use. I think this mess will fall in the courts in the near future. I do not think it is a moral issue until the courts work it out.

 

[O_Moriah]

As far as the legality of it goes, you’re bound by the terms of the license…

…local law notwithstanding.

A lot of stuff gets said in those licenses which are rather purposefully abrogated by state and/or federal law. Also, a lot of it doesn’t stand up to a judge’s scrutiny as valid contract law.

The legality of it has to take into consideration the real law as it exists in statutes and judicial opinion. Not what some usually overreaching license agreement (which is almost never really signed and witnessed as any contract should be…) says.

To the OP: If you’re using it only on one computer at a time, you’re well within defined fair use copyright law (though, IANAL). You’re also well withing Catholic social justice teaching on theft… it’s not theft (IAAThIRL).