Global Utilities

La Trobe University
Academic Language and Learning

Material on the internet

Can I download software, music or movies from the web?

The Music, Movie and Software Industry, that is the people who generally own the copyright in the songs, films and computer programs, are very keen to defend their property. There are many websites offering free downloads of music, movies and/or software, or offering downloads for a small fee, and most of these sites may not be offering legal copies.

Always check that the website or service is the authorised online distributor ie iTunes, JB Hi-Fi, Bigpond etc. or that the file is a creative commons or other licenced work.

Do not use KaZaa or other file-trading or peer-to-peer software, including BitTorrent, to share copyrighted software, music or movie files.

Using University equipment, including the fixed and wireless networks, to download and share music, movies, software, books etc for unauthorised purposes is a breach of the Use of Computer Facilities Statute 2009 and University policies and may lead to disciplinary action and suspension of access to computer facilities.

Further information

If you need more information, or are unsure about something, you can contact the Copyright Officer or consult your Student Diary.