Unauthorized copying and use of computer software, currently protected by the Copyright Act of 1976 (U.S.C. 117), is believed to occur in public schools and on university and college campuses by administrators, teachers, and students. The study described in this paper was undertaken to ascertain the nature, scope, and extent of unauthorized copying and use of computer software by Alabama public school students, teachers, and principals and to recommend appropriate and effective school policies. A total of 1,349 subjects participated in the study (427 computer science teachers, 433 principals, and a random sample of 489 non-computer science teachers). A five-part survey instrument was designed to elicit responses reflecting individuals' behaviors, opinions, and perceptions concerning this practice, and 23 hypotheses were tested. Major findings of the study were: (1) the majority of respondents found unauthorized copying of computer software by educators to be unacceptable; however, many indicated that they have made and will probably continue to make and use unauthorized copies; and (2) copyright policies in Alabama public schools appear to have little effect. Reasons stated include the high cost of computer software, computer software back-ups not being provided, being unable to preview software, and a shortage of available funds in the schools for the purchase of software packages. (LL)