Software+Piracy

What is software piracy?
Software piracy can be the illegal downloading of software from the internet, the act of making illegal copies of software programs (for example onto CDs), or using software when a license has not been obtained. Software piracy is the same as stealing.

How can software piracy be prevented?
When, software is purchased, instructions will be provided detailing how many computers the software can be loaded on and for what purposes. Read these instructions carefully. While it is typically okay for someone to load a software program onto both their home and office computers, it is usually not okay to make a copy of the software for your friend unless you have multiple licenses. If you are unsure, reread the instructions that came with your software or contact the software vendor. It is also important to look for a certificate of authenticity to help you know that the software you are running is genuine. Make sure students are aware that software piracy is illegal and will not be tolerated.

What happens if I find out someone has pirated software?
Pirated software should be removed from all school computers. If CD or other hard copies were made illegally, they should be confiscated and destroyed. A meeting should be called with students involved, their parents and administrators to determine further consequences. It should be made clear that software piracy is illegal. Teacher violators will be subject to consequences at the administration's discretion.

What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property refers to original ideas which may be in any number of forms such as text, music, images, etc. They may or may not be officially copyrighted or trademarked. It often refers to ideas that can be used to make money, but they do not have to be. Taking another person's ideas and claiming them as your own is stealing even if you do not make money from them. Using someone's ideas as your own is called plagiarism. If those ideas have been copyrighted, it is also copyright infringement which is illegal.

How can plagiarism be prevented?
Always use your own words. If you want to use or adapt someone's words, images, etc., ask for written permission when possible. Even when paraphrasing, always give proper citations. For more information on ways to cite works, see [] (for APA) or [] (for MLA). Also make sure to read the copyright rules section below.

What should teachers do about plagiarism?
Students should be taught how to paraphrase and how to give proper citations. All suspected plagiarism should be investigated. Any plagiarized assignment should receive a failing grade and a meeting should be called with the students, parents and administrators to determine any additional consequences.

What are the rules about copyright for teachers and students?
In general, educators are allowed more leeway to use copyrighted material. However, this does not mean teachers can copy whatever they want, whenever they want. "Fair Use" refers to the rules about copyright for teachers. An informative table about specific copyright rules for teachers can be found at [] It is important to remember that copyright infringement is a crime and the consequences can be serious.