Internet Downloads

[jahcs]

I have been reviewing some of the copyright laws and about the only one that is specific is regarding copying of software for the purposes of acrchiving.

Can I backup my computer software?
Yes, under certain conditions as provided by section 117 of the Copyright Act. Although the precise term used under section 117 is "archival" copy, not "backup" copy, these terms today are used interchangeably. This privilege extends only to computer programs and not to other types of works.

Under section 117, you or someone you authorize may make a copy of an original computer program if:
the new copy is being made for archival (i.e., backup) purposes only;
you are the legal owner of the copy; and
any copy made for archival purposes is either destroyed, or transferred with the original copy, once the original copy is sold, given away, or otherwise transferred.
You are not permitted under section 117 to make a backup copy of other material on a computer's hard drive, such as other copyrighted works that have been downloaded (e.g., music, films).
    It is also important to check the terms of sale or license agreement of the original copy of software in case any special conditions have been put in place by the copyright owner that might affect your ability or right under section 117 to make a backup copy.

After much searching I am unable to find anything saying you can or can't form a compilation of works and give it away. It does state the material contained in a compilation is protected by the copyright present on that original material. Reproducing a song for distribution is illegal so I fail to see the difference in reproducing many songs for distribution. These laws are a bit of a mess.