nope paid for the software. Bought vegas audio years ago for $200. Works fine. Don't need anything else. Definitely not for the average user but again can't do that with a mac, plus I enjoy recyling parts instead of paying for new uncessary technology. I would never use pirated software in a commercial situation since it's illegal and can make your system unstable. Faster computer technology and "improved" software really isn't needed anymore as far as I'm concerned for recording purposes. Plug-in folks would argue with that but then again I'm an analog outboard guy so the point is moot with me. Older computers and old software is just fine for my purposes. I'd rather spend the money on quality a/d d/a conversion. It's also nice not having to be a slave to digidesign although I really don't mind protools. What can I say, my computer is fast enough, cheap and stable. I record for a living so I wouldn't roll this way if it caused any down time. Case closed?

I have no problem with your choices or anyone elses. Whatever works for you works for you. That's fine.

I'm just saying that just because you can build a computer from parts that doesn't mean folks who don't are somehow suckers.