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In the past, most software I used was paid and proprietary and would have some sort of limitation that I would try to get around by any means possible. Sometimes that would be resetting the clock on my computer, disabling the internet, and other times downloading a patch.

But in the past few years I've stopped using those things and have focused only on free and open source software (FOSS) to fulfill my needs. I hardly have to worry about privacy problems or trying to lock down a program that calls home. I might be missing out on some things that commercial software delivers, but I'm hardly aware of what they are anymore. It seems like the trend is for commercial software providers to migrate toward online or service models that have the company doing all the computing. I'm opposed to that, since they can take away your service at any time.

What do you do?

(page 3) 50 comments
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[-] fiah@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 year ago

I don't pirate software anymore, the risks aren't worth it to me

[-] Sanrasxz@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

I usually use FOSS when I can. Commercial software simply isn't necessary for most tasks, and you take the least amount of risk if you use the least amount of pirated software possible.

[-] lynny@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I use FOSS. You can't ever truly know if a pirated piece of software is back doored or not, so why even risk it?

[-] PeterPoopshit@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

If there's a free software alternative to what I want to pirate, I always use that instead. Software is like sex. It's better when it's free.

[-] yoichi@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

I only really need Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro for most of my needs. Other software is either FOSS or Free

MS Office and Windows are activated using MAS and m0nkrus (may he be blessed) provides my Adobe software.

[-] Aman9das@rammy.site 1 points 1 year ago
[-] Mr_nutter_butter@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

If the Foss alternative dose everything I want use that

If not I pirate

[-] ram@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

I use FOSS where I can. If I need a certain software for something I'll pirate, but only think I can think of that for is 2013 3DS Max for FFXIV animation modding. Beyond that FOSS is more than enough.

[-] ICastFist@programming.dev 1 points 1 year ago

I much prefer using FOSS, but sometimes they’re not good enough compared to paid alternatives (AutoCAD vs FreeCAD; Tupi Tube vs. Adobe Animate).

[-] aktenkundig@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 1 year ago

One thing I do for Games is buying used ones. I still have a PS4 and I am not playing much, so there's a ton of 2nd hand older AAA Games I haven't played yet, that are sold for a few bucks.

[-] s0phia@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

If I have a nice FOSS alternative that will fulfill my needs, then I will always prioritize FOSS. If not, then I pirate the proprietary option.

[-] mikezila@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 year ago

I have not had to pirate software since I was a teenager. There are free/FOSS tools that do all of what I need well enough that I haven't needed to even consider non-free options. Documents I just use Google Docs/Sheets, video editing I use kdenlive, sound recording/editing I use audacity, screen recording and game capture I use OBS, photo/image editing I use GIMP, etc.

It's not that I am opposed to software piracy, I just have not had to do it. I would if I needed too but it just hasn't come up. For games I typically either buy them for a console or Steam and don't pirate them.

The only thing I really pirate with any regularity anymore is tv/movies/music, and most of that is just finding things to add to my jellyfin rather than anything that's new/current.

[-] RanchOnPancakes@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

My Policy:

FOSS if there is something I like that does what I need in a way I can understand.

Paid software if its useful software that doesn't have a stupid high price.

Overprice software or software that thinks their software needs a subscription service? Raise the flag!

[-] Zoot_@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

My exact policy. Support FOSS where possible. Pay when its convenient and good product. Steal subscriptions. Adobe PS can absolutely get bent with there stupid ass subscription thats an insane price

[-] sparklecherry@geddit.social 1 points 1 year ago

Usually FOSS unless I need to use a particular program that doesn't have a good FOSS alternative. My old Mac runs fine but doesn't have many FOSS alternatives that works with High Sierra, so I have to use cracked apps. Using Windows, Linux or Android it's all FOSS.

[-] meldrik@lemmy.wtf 1 points 1 year ago

I mostly use FOSS, and occasionally I use proprietary if there’s no proper FOSS alternatives.

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this post was submitted on 28 Jun 2023
247 points (98.4% liked)

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