Interesting Dilemma

[pitbull64]

A local church wants me to build a PC for them. They gave me a check for $600.

While I have most of the software myself (for Educational purposes through tech school: I got Windows XP Pro, 2000 Pro, Office 2000 Pro, and Office XP Pro), I feel that it's best to buy them their own individual software.

Even though the church's primary usage is for the Internet and other related items (no entertainment in the form of games), I am wondering in the name of ethics and morality, should I install my working versions of the software or should I purchase OEM versions of the same product.

By doing so, I will probably need additional money, because I want to do this the "right way", if you know what I mean.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

[Dax_Brandy]

the right way is to follow what is generally good, moral and legal.


inform the church's authorities that you need extra money for the softwares.

[DVNT1]

They may have a non-profit version you can buy cheaply.

[tony_j15]

Definately buy them their own software. There are non-proft versions available that are somewhat cheaper

[dr_roberts49]

Absolutely. I've done computer work for churches, and they have many of the same needs of a small business. Shoot from the hip and tell them what they need. Maybe they can start a special collection, or there might be parishioners who would be willing to buy the programs and donate them to the church.. The church should own their own software, and it should be registered in their name so they can get updates.

Robert

[jmebonner]

Yup, they need their own. I would think they'd rather do it the right way, even if it does cost a little bit more.

[pitbull64]

Thank you everyone for responding. As expected, I was going to do EXACTLY what everyone has said and have begun looking into the non-profit versions of the software.

As all of you probably know, there is a lot of piracy out there with software. I had already planned to buy their own licensed O/S so that they could get updates. I had never envisioned installing pirated versions of software, nor would I even consider putting that software on my own PC.

Being that I used to work in computer retail as a manager, I know all too well about piracy and how it runs rampant across the world.

From my own experiences of experimenting with pirated software, they are often shoddy with poor performance issues, that often lead to many other problems.

Not to get off on a rant about this, I would say that I do not condone pirated software or its use and would discourage ohters from doing so. If you ae using pirated software, beware of the potential consequences that you may face from a legal standpoint.

[elroy]

Consider installing Open Office instead of M$ Office. Save them a bunch of $$. Open Office docs are compatible with M$ Office and it is FREE.

[DVNT1]

http://www.compumentor.org/mar/defau...mar&sg=cg_home

http://www.techsoup.org/DiscounTech/...am.asp?visit=1

I also think OpenOffice is a good choice to keep costs low.

[DVNT1]

http://www.techsoup.org/forums/index...=52575&cid=117

http://www.techsoup.org/DiscounTech/...+MS&CatCount=2