Expert: Bob - 8/14/2007

Question
I am an architecture student and I work for a firm in the summer.  I have a student version of Autocad 2008.  I want to be able to work on some projects at home and bring the files back to the office.  If I do this will the files have the watermark attached to them when we plot them at work?

Answer
Hi --
Quickest way to get a bad reputation as a student worker: illegally use student software for work, and have every file that contains any block, etc, that you made contaminated.
It is distressing that you ask only about the watermark, and not whether you would be subjecting your employer to legal liability, if it were to come to light that he allows this.   (Yes, anything can be hacked, but is that legal?)
Of course, I know that many people today were raised in the internet generation, and these distinctions are not so understood.
I DO understand your desire to use the software, and I am only being so blunt with you because you must soon start thinking like a professional. Legal liabilities (and avoiding them, covering one's butt, etc.) are a big part of the profession of architecture.

It is natural for a student to think "How do I get around this rule?" -- but for a  pro, using that software on projects and saving cost is simply stealing.

AND -- because you are intelligent, you can understand:
1-- The student software is now free to download, used to cost a little. How could Autodesk sell any product for $3000+, if they dont police violations of student software?
2-- A firm cought with the watermark on any of its files is looked at as low class by clients and peers, as well as possibly being forced to expensively defend lawsuits.
3-- You did not have to read all the fine print on the agreement, but you can perfectly well understand the basic story.
4-- Your school should have told you the above 3 points.

You may find that the boss's licence allows the software to be installed on your macjne, as long as 2 computers are not using it at once.  (I am not up on the latest info here).

Good luck -- and DO start thinking like a pro, it will help you.

BOB