10. Money for Nuthin’. Check out the major software manufacturers – they offer significant student discounts on software programs.

9. So Fresh and So Clean. When you illegally download software, you risk downloading a virus right along with it. Not only is your computer at risk, but also your school’s entire network could be compromised.

8. Isn’t it Ironic? There’s a distinct possibility you will shell out far more money if you download unauthorized software than if you purchased it outright. Wouldn’t you rather spend your money on a Spring Break trip than on computer repairs?

7. School’s Out Forever. You or your school may be held liable for your software theft. Some schools are responding by implementing disciplinary actions.

6. Oops! I Did It Again. Aren’t you sick of explaining to your parents or roommates why the computer crashed . . . again? It’s no fun to battle all the other students at the computer lab as you’re writing a 20-page term paper.

5. Smooth Operator. Using fully licensed software rather than a downloaded unlicensed copy, makes a computer run faster and smoother, enabling the user to be more productive. It’ll dramatically cut down on the time it takes you to research Marco Polo’s travels or find the definition of existentialism. And, most importantly, you can buy those hip huggers in record speed.

4. Not Working 9 to 5. Using unauthorized or downloading unlicensed software is theft. Theft is a crime. Future employers generally frown upon crime. You may be putting your future career in jeopardy if you’re caught downloading copyrighted digital works.

3. Money Money Money Moneeeey. Pirated software contributes to the loss of revenues that support new software development. Lower piracy rates mean more jobs. Aren’t you looking forward to having a job when you graduate? 

2. I’ve Been Feeling Down, Baby. A job lost to piracy could have been yours after graduation. Don’t fret . . . you can always move back in with your folks.

1. Stairway to Heaven. Legally downloading software is not only smart, it’s also ethical. You’ll have a clean conscious knowing that you did the right thing. Now where the heck did I put that halo . . . ?