[texas713]

Emulator- A program that runs programs based off of a certain or multiple platforms. For example SNESEmu runs SNES Game Files.
Emulation is not illegal as the emulator functions as the machine. As it is not the machine, the company has no legal claim to the emulator. Nintendo has copyright and patents on the design and function of the SNES. Does that mean they can sue the guys who made ZSNES for my pc or my SNES Emulation program on my psp? No, they own the SNES not what it does.

Rom- the file played on the emulator. Unless custom written(and yes I've found custom games for my SNES Emulator on my pc), is usually copyrighted. Illegal to download unless the true form of the program is owned. I own Jurassic Park for my SNES, seeing as how my console was stolen from me I can't really play it can I? But I can download the game and play it on my psp and pc thanks to the emulators. Since I still have the cartridge I can't be sued for piracy because they have their monies.

You don't have to agree with how things are done, but you can be respectful about it and not try to make a big arguement on how pirating games is like customizing your psp. My views on piracy don't represent the views of the forum, but I respect the rules and views of the forum enough to abide by them while I use this forum.