Page 6 - Computer Basics- Student Textbook

(subscription). Unless the software is “shareware, freeware, or open source”, the software is proprietary and not
free to place on your computer or give a copy to a friend. It is normally priced by a per unit amount for each
computer on which it is installed. To install a proprietary program on your computer (such as WORD, Office, Excel,
Adobe Products, and thousands of others, etc.) without purchasing a license is STEALING and can lead to serious
legal risks. Using pirated software carries high penalties under copyright law for users caught in the act. In the
United States, copyright infringement can lead to up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

The owner of the software's copyright can also sue for damages, which can run as high as $150,000 per copy. But
beside the financial penalty you may pay for illegal use of software, you will pay a moral and spiritual consequence
because God’s Word FORBIDS it. Check these verses out…

I Cor. 6:10 …nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 4:28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with
their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Leviticus 19:11 “ ‘Do not steal. “ ‘Do not lie. “ ‘Do not deceive one another.

Prov. 10:2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.

Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if
respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

So, if you did not pay for it, do not put a copy of software on your computer unless the author of the software
expressly states you can do that without charge.

7. Peripherals
USB drive: Many components are connected to the computer by the USB drive. These include the mouse,
keyboard, digital camera, printer, flash drive, MP3 player, and external hard drives.

Computer Basics: What is a computer?

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