after a few reads of your post (first guy) I realize that you are saying that people use limewire for sharing pirated software. You say that they could easily use LW to find a free PRO limewire. The reply addressed this, but as to the filesharing concept itself:


People do share software with filesharing programs. It is a hotly debated issue. The only protections software developers have from people sharing software is: 1. risk of viruses or trojans; 2. pirated versions are usually buggy; 3. you can use the serial codes, but you can't register the software, thereby missing tech support, updates/patches, and plug-in-type additions; 4. new protections that prevent copying software.

However, most people (the vast bulk) use filesharing programs to download mp3's. A few use them to download movies. The music and movie industies have little to worry about here:

MP3's are lousy-quality files, in the same arena as tapes dubbed off the radio. Basically mp3's are a way to sample a CD before buying it.

Similarly, anyone who wants to download and watch a pixelated, 700 megabyte movie is welcome to it. You can rent them at blockbuster for $3.00.