It is illegal for anyone to duplicate or distribute software or its documentation without the permission of the copyright owner. The purchaser of software is allowed, however, to make a back-up copy for his or her own use. Whether or not a purchaser of copyrighted software can loan the software depends on the terms of the license. Individuals are responsible for making a good faith effort at assuring the Software Copyright Compliance Policy is met. Unit administrators are responsible for ensuring the policy is followed in their units.
Some software is available at reasonable and no cost.
For information about low cost alternatives, read the related article in this issue. The University of Illinois does not tolerate unauthorized copying of software, just as it does not tolerate physical theft or plagiarism. Copy-protection refers to techniques used to prevent the unauthorized copying of software. This does not mean that the software itself is not copyrighted. If software is available through facilities on campus, it does not mean you may copy it for your own use.