A Question regarding Serial Numbers...

So you're only meant to use one serial number per computer right? So.. say in a business, if you want to install the same program on multiple computers, you have to buy multiple serial numbers?

What happens if you don't? does anyone know of anyone ever getting caught for this?

I take it you're talking about windows?
If you try to use a standard key on another PC, you won't be able to authorize the second computer.

No i'm not talking about windows.. just any software that you buy. Photoshop, FCP etc.

Any modern software will usually connect to a server to check the key against a database of registered keys. If you're a company thats buying for lots of PC's, you'll get a volume licence key thats good for however many licences you bought.

Also depends on the company and how they license their products. There is places that lets you install a copy of a program on more than one machines but you are the sole person thats allowed to use it on all the pc's. In most cases however you will need one license for every machine you have it installed on unless you have a volume license key.

Its hard for them to monitor but these days programs have the ability to go online (where there is a connection) and authenticate itself against a database and if it can't the program will be disabled.

i'm just trying to figure out if i should install some software on my computer at home, that work has bought and that i use on my computer at work.

You need to check the licensing for that product that your work has purchased. If it's per PC, or per user, or if you can use it for yourself on multiple PCs. Many products have multiple license scenarios that can be purchased for.

cool will ask my boss then, cheers.

heh.. asked my boss and he's giving it to me. Stoked! New FCP Studio package.

cool!

heh.. you could've just warez'd it anyway

You can't get tech support when it fucks out though and you're always left wondering if there is something inferior about the copy you have... I imagine...