What is the ruling of using pirated programs on the computer? Say, my brother has upgraded his computer using a program 'illegally' - the actual program was copied into a CD writer - and added other programs, like Microsoft word, etc. Is it Haram if I use the program or not?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

If the owner of any program has denied permission for copying or reproduction, or has declared that the rights to its publication is reserved to him, copying the program is prohibited.
For more details, please read the Fatwa: 82812.
Allah knows best.