Pirated software on Apple

[Eddie Dane]

Question,

I want to try out some software on my spanking new Macbook. (I'm new to mac)
A friend has given me some programs he has downloaded (graphical software and video editing software).

I want to give these programs a try before I buy (or find a free alternative, if I can).

Is this advisable at all? When installing, you have to go through a registration form. Will I end up in Steven Jobs' pirate database for ever?

Are there other ways to try before you buy?

Programs concerned:
Final Cut Express
Photoshop

 

[TobiasTheViking]

i'm pretty sure that photoshop(at least) has a trial period...

 

[Zax63]

I know Adobe has trials for Windows. I'm assuming they do for Mac as well.

If you are not using it professionally you may want to take a look at Pixelmator for graphic editing. They have a trial and it's much less expensive than Photoshop.

 

[jsiv]

You can download a fully functional (but time limited) trial of Photoshop here (click Get the trial on the left.)

As for Final Cut, I don't think Apple has trial versions. I say screw them and install it to try it out. I don't see why it would need any registration, but you can probably skip it or just make something up.

Be honest and make a decision after a while though, don't keep running the pirated version forever.

 

[van_dutch]

an alternative to photoshop is GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). While Photoshop does have some special patented features, GIMP is free under the GNU GPL (GNU General Public License). Unless you desperately need some special features from Photoshop, GIMP will be fine. If you are coming from using Photoshop, you will need some time to learn GIMP as it has a different interface. I don't really know about alternatives to Final Cut but you should look into it before going the piracy route.

In terms of whether you will get put into some sort of database, companies sometimes do keep track of known pirated keys and simply block their use. Key generators are a way around this and often accompany the pirated software. Typically, DMCA violation notices (assuming US in this case) are sent out for downloading the software not using it. If it is unlicensed, some or all features will not work and probably nothing more. Again, try to find free alternatives first.

 

[elgarak]

GIMP on Mac runs under X-Windows (X11). Which causes some serious limitations that make working with it less nice. Things like integrating GIMP with other Mac applicationa, easy exchange of files, integrating of system-wide features like fonts etc.

Pixelmator, OTOH, is a full-blown Aqua-UI based application. It fulfills all the functions GIMP has, but with much better integration in the system, and better performance. It's not in the same league as the full Adobe Photoshop suite. However, it's a cheaper equivalent to Adobe's Lightroom.

Personally, I recommend Pixelmator for most still-photography editing. (If you go Photoshop, get the 'Extended' suite, if possible. Otherwise, there's no need to invest much money, since you get most of the capability with the much cheaper Pixelmator).

 

[elgarak]

There is a trial version of an earlier Final Cut out there. Just google it.

 

[Grizzly Bear]

I found this site a few months ago, I've found it useful for locating tons of good freeware alternatives. Perhaps this'll aid you in your search: LINK