I actually did acquire a few songs and videos years ago the illicit way. But I didn't feel right about it, and no longer have them. I own tens of thousands of dollars worth of software and media now, and all legitimate. And some of that was acquired when I was almost poor... I should write a book on finding sweet software deals.

Here are some hints:

• you can download a Microsoft Office 2010 trial that lasts for a year. No strings attached.
• used software. Great deals can be found.
• competitive upgrades. I got Photoshop and Illustrator extremely cheap using them.
• Developer and consultant programs. As a consultant I was getting thousands of dollars worth of Microsoft software for $300 per year, all legit.
• Trade shows. Microsoft put one on for the Windows Nt 4 release and gave out FREE CDs of NT 4 and Microsoft Office. I came home with several and made a lot of friends and family happy.

EDIT: as a designer, songwriter, inventor and programmer, I feel I would be a hypocrite for not paying for creative works if it's expected.