What is the moral thing to do if one finds free software online but doesn't know if it is legal or not?

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Hey everyone. I found some software online that is free but I have no idea what the copyright status of it is. I have no idea if it is legal or not. I do know that this software is an add-on for another type of software that I have and that there are a lot of free and legal add-ons for this this software such as the software I found. However, I don’t know if this particular add-on software is legal or not but I do know it is free. Would it be moral to go ahead and download it considering that I don’t know what the copyright status of it is? Or should I refrain just in case it is illegal? 🤷:confused:
 
Holly3278 said:
Hey everyone. I found some software online that is free but I have no idea what the copyright status of it is. I have no idea if it is legal or not. I do know that this software is an add-on for another type of software that I have and that there are a lot of free and legal add-ons for this this software such as the software I found. However, I don’t know if this particular add-on software is legal or not but I do know it is free. Would it be moral to go ahead and download it considering that I don’t know what the copyright status of it is? Or should I refrain just in case it is illegal? 🤷:confused:
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You should check the terms of the license with the software. Chances are that would answer your question as to ownership and what, if any, license fees there are. If it is open source, it will say so. If it is shareware, you are obliged to pay the license fee after using the software for a trial period. And so on.

HAVING SAID THAT…“found software from Internet” is a very, very, very dangerous thing indeed. I would exercise EXTREME caution before using any “found software on Internet.” Make sure the source from which you are downloading is reputable. And scan the downloaded file before installing it. (Myself, I create a virtual machine upon which I install a file unless I am 150% confident that it is OK)
 
Usually free or shareware software can be downloaded from websites that have a clear statement that they own the intellectual property and the conditions under which you can use the software. Just Google the name and the description of software to see if it is really available. Usually with Google you will also see if the “free” software does not infringe on someone else intellectual property. As a Catholic you must use reason to do what is morally right. Once you have done diligent work and in all honesty you cannot find any reason to think that you should not use the software then go ahead and use it.
 
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