The software industry lags by comparison. Microsoft is allowing consumers to download and buy Vista from its own Web site for the first time. Otherwise, Microsoft has "nothing new to announce in regards to any new distribution channels," Hartje says.

BitTorrent did not return a call and an e-mail seeking comment.

For Microsoft to ink a deal with BitTorrent to sell full software or even put up free trials would send out mixed messages, Ishikawa says.

"If you ever want to litigate, don't send out any freeware," he says.

Still, people like BigChampagne's Garland point out that P2P software piracy today remains a drop in the bucket compared to video piracy, which involve similarly hefty files. His reason: downloaded movies are just entertainment, but business software is used to run companies, do people's taxes and other important things. For those, most users still prefer the security blanket of technical support, access to software fixes and updates -- even manuals -- that only buying the software can provide, Garland says.