For context, I want to run a small personal gig (offering stuff on Patreon). Nothing too fancy.
In order to do that, I would need to use the Adobe suite, Windows, some audio and video effects, all requiring a commercial license.
In theory, I start to make money. How would Microsoft and Adobe know that I don't pay for their software?
If I use some audio effects, how would their owners even be able to tell / find my work? We're talking about basic sound effect, like rain, door knocks etc.
I've always been confused by this
You can block the communication with a firewall rules. Is there something different with solidworks?
Doubtful. Load it up in a VM. Windows guest, Linux host. Use a network monitor to see what it does with and without a firewall on.
No, it’s the same as every other program that dials home. If it’s a proper cracked version that part will be already removed, if not you can just block the network communications from any of it’s components.