Part of the problem is the misconception by those who borrow software rather than purchase their own copy. Those same people would never dream of shoplifting from a store or stealing something out of someone's garage. They'd tell you they aren't a thief. But making a duplicate of a copyrighted software program is a violation of federal law. Those that do it are law breakers.
Nobody likes to spend their hard earned cash, even when it is for a worthwhile item.
But when you need four tires for your car, you don't steal them from your neighbor. You go to the tire store. When you want a new software program, you don't go to your neighbor or friend. You go to your software retailer. Joel Smith is a Detroit News business writer who reports on high-tech and computers.