Students 'abusing' software program

Forty-five of the 50 Office 2000 Pro software programs rented by Cal State Long Beach students through University Bookstore have not been returned.

The possible theft puts "in jeopardy an extremely generous program," according to a California State University official.

"If students start taking advantage of it and start abusing it on a large scale, they're the ones who will lose," said Bonnie Swansbrough, processor manager for the Chancellor's Office.

Students are able to rent a number of programs, including Office 2000 Pro, from the Bookstore through an agreement CSU has with Microsoft. A student can rent the software for about $25 plus a $25 deposit, a substantial savings considering it typically retails for more than $500.

Officials believe students have surmised it is cheaper to forfeit the deposit and keep the software, though they warn they maintain a list of students who have rented programs.