I have been a hardcore software pirate for about 2 years. I had a short lapse in which I installed Linux and used all Open Source sofware.

Sadly, this didn’t last long.

I am sitting on about $3000 of pirated games, music, and mostly computer programs. BTW, that’s excluding AutoCAD which is $7000 for a corporate license. That is after wiping my HDD for Linux. I had at least $6000 before that.

If you have ever tried some kind of programming, enjoyed it, and would like to continue doing it, then the best way to stop being a pirate that I have seen is to switch at least partially to open source software and develop it yourself. I would recommend installing Linux also. Although, this tip is coming from someone who hasn’t exactly completed this goal himself, so don’t put all your trust on me.

Also, I have to say. If you aren’t already pirating all the software you use, don’t start. Piracy is like an extremely addictive drug that won’t get you high.