Propritary companies are now offering torrent downloads for their software. Many forums such as these, still keep the old view that torrents are globally illegal, which is incorrect. However, links to deliberate pirated software, such as often found on sites such as Pirate bay, often available before official release, would be against the site rules..quote "
- No Software Piracy: You agree by posting on this site you will not post links or discuss in any way, ways to pirate or illegally download any proprietary or commercial software. (Example: Windows 7). This site is based on discussion and support for this kind of software, not stealing it. There are no exceptions to this policy. You will be banned, and you will be IP blocked from our site. "
I will agree with the OP that you do not have to be a wizard to see that a majority percentage of posters are using Os's from other than authentic sources. But this is a help site and help is given, wherever possible, unless it is in the direction of circumventing legalites. You can certainly point to some posts where this is being flaunted, but I don't think the moderators can keep up with everything.
But, for my own interest, I doubt you can point me to any links on this site which are to illegal downloads, apart from one which slipped by, and is now redundant, on a blog.
I agree. Microsoft are asking a lot for their products, although, if I understand it correctly, you can buy an upgrade, which is much cheaper, and legally install a full version with it. Bottom line is that if you feel it is too much to pay, then there are altenatives.