Software

mood

Hi, I can get my hands on a copy of software I really need. Is it possible to get fined for doing this? How is it monitored?

Hank_Scorpio

It's monitored by serial numbers and registrations etc. If you're caught there can be hefty fines. You should look up the software EULA, all available on the internet in pdf.

I wouldn't recommend getting illegal software. Graphic Design software is a tool. It should pay for itself in a month or so.

5uspect

Don't forget cheap student licences if you're in college.
Usually you can find a free trial if you need it for a short time.

Also there are plenty of good open source (free) alternatives to most popular apps.

maameeo

what kinda software do u need? there are free programs, as mentioned, such as gimp, http://www.gimp.org/ , which would be like photoshop and inkscape, http://www.inkscape.org/ , which is like illustrator.

Hank_Scorpio

And Scribus, it's like indesign and quark. It's a bit unstable though.

mood

Adobe creative suite. I can't really afford to buy it right now!

Hank_Scorpio

You could always get the free trial.

Scribus, Inkscape, Gimp are the free alternatives for print design.


If you're a student you can get the software at a much reduced price.

mood

Not a student but I have family who are. Is it 10 per cent student discount?

5uspect

More like 80%.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adobe-CS4-Design-Premium-PC/dp/B001G8Y6XC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1246568659&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adobe-Design-Premium-CS4-Student/dp/B001GJ3URY/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1246568591&sr=8-12

mood

How can The software on Amazon be genuine at these prices? Have you bought from them?

5uspect

It's a student edition. It cannot be used for anything other than educational purposes.

ztoical

5uspect wrote: »

It's a student edition. It cannot be used for anything other than educational purposes.

+ 1 Most student edition software comes with codes built so people can tell if it's a student edition being used for pro work. Most animation programs have a water mark that say STUDENT in the corner of the screen, which can be really annoying and can't be got rid of.

As mentioned there are loads of freeware programs that work just fine and the more popular ones like the Gimp have plenty of websites with how to's and FAQ's. And not all software costs a fortune, Manga Studio is only 50 bucks for the standard program.

emmetcummins

If you want to do 3d people and landscapes etc. try http://blender.org , for buildings and vehicles and maybe urban landscapes try http://sketchup.google.com . Like maameo said, GIMP is great. I used to use it till I got Photoshop but GIMP is much easier to use.