Software prices and other issues...

wildfire · 2009/04/19

The following is a post from this thread which was going off topic (my fault, sorry) so I've taken the liberty of quoting jpChris on this board and creating a new thread. I hope no one minds.

"jpChris said: ↑

Hi wildfire,

I agree completely. However, there is a ton of free software out there. Granted it doesn't have all the bells, buzzers and whistles like the full version, but for someone who's never had a computer, it's not necessary.

I'm glad you brought up the subject of morality and piracy. For instance, let's suppose a company has a program that's now on version 10.5 and I've got (bought and paid for legitimately) version 0.1. It works, but it's so hopelessly out of date that no one in their right mind would use it, let alone buy it.

Now take the case of someone with nothing, no resources, and no need for v10.5: They just need the basic-basics to get by. Period.

Would it be considered a "take it to court and sue for piracy violation" if I installed a version of software that, like I said I bought, is so hopelessly out of date it's laughable?

As you know, the courts have nothing to do with morality "” only legal or illegal. And to me, this particular issue has to do with both.

And since I've worked with the 'less-than-affluent' part of society, the legal\moral implications are a biggie for me. Both sides can be argued successfully.

However, illegally downloading or code cracking a program is reprehensible to me; it's just plain old stealing.

Thoughts?
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PeteC · 2009/04/19

However, illegally downloading or code cracking a program is reprehensible to me; it's just plain old stealing.
Click to expand...

Yes, there is no other word for it.

wildfire · 2009/04/19

OK, GP finished but before I start .

No one is condoning piracy here and this is not an anti Microsoft post

I agree completely. However, there is a ton of free software out there. Granted it doesn't have all the bells, buzzers and whistles like the full version, but for someone who's never had a computer, it's not necessary.
Click to expand...

I think you'll find plenty of free software out there with all the bells and whistles, particularly if you use Linux. The open source community are just as capable of producing quality software as the experts.

I'm glad you brought up the subject of morality and piracy. For instance, let's suppose a company has a program that's now on version 10.5 and I've got (bought and paid for legitimately) version 0.1. It works, but it's so hopelessly out of date that no one in their right mind would use it, let alone buy it.

Now take the case of someone with nothing, no resources, and no need for v10.5: They just need the basic-basics to get by. Period.

Would it be considered a "take it to court and sue for piracy violation" if I installed a version of software that, like I said I bought, is so hopelessly out of date it's laughable?
Click to expand...

Legally, it's not on. You're thieving. Morally, what income would softxxxhouse get from the earlier 0.1 version? Most would say none but you do have to consider the loss of income because people aren't buying the 10.5 version due to a freely available earlier ersion.

As you know, the courts have nothing to do with morality — only legal or illegal. And to me, this particular issue has to do with both.
Click to expand...

My thoughts also, unfortunately the law is the law

And since I've worked with the 'less-than-affluent' part of society, the legal\moral implications are a biggie for me. Both sides can be argued successfully.
Click to expand...

I think you can consider me part of that society, due to health reasons I don't work as much as I'd like to. I do however assist in a local community centre and have no qualms for example suggesting they use Open Office rather than MS Office. Both do the job required but one is free and the other is not.

However, illegally downloading or code cracking a program is reprehensible to me; it's just plain old stealing.
Click to expand...

It's fun though , I've done it once (sim city) NOTE I bought the game but was really getting annoyed with having to dig out the manual and type word 7 from paragraph 3 on page 21 before I could play. Although it only took an hour or so I think I had more enjoyment cracking it than playing it. And yes reverse engineering is also illegal (waiting for cybercops now)

Edit: Just to be clear, the above was for personal use. The cracked version was never passed on or sold to anyone else.

To sum up, legally you have to abide by their restrictions, morally perhaps they should think about those restriictions.

TonyT · 2009/04/19

Oft times you'll find that asking the software owner(s)-developeres for permission to install an out dated version on someone else's comp will end in your favor. Esp if the current version is around 5.x + and you have version 1.x. The software company usually won't give you are hard time about it if explain the situation to them. Save the positive resonse sent to you by them & install away!

The logic is that the person using the out dated version may end up wanting the bells & whistles of the newest version and purchase. Same affect as shareware.

wildfire · 2009/04/19

"TonyT said: ↑

Oft times you'll find that asking the software owner(s)-developeres for permission to install an out dated version on someone else's comp will end in your favor.
Click to expand...

Yes, but quite often you'll find it doesn't end in you favour for absulutely no reason. Let's take one example.

I've used computers for many years, 20 years ago I loved to play game X on system Y. There is no chance that anyone would buy system Y or game X except as a trophy but for me I legally have to jump through hoops to transfer ROM images to my PC so I can use an emulator.

A rep from System Y's manufacturer can knock on my door tomorrow and I can show him several computers with that ROM and therefor I'm entitled to use it (according to their license agreement). Will they make my life easy by selling the image to me or even giving it to me... Not a chance. Can I legally download it... whoah stop right there. Legally I have to transfer that image over to the PC via a DIY serial (RS232) cable and some homegrown software.

ZeroID · 2009/04/27

Free, Legal software for Windows, including outdated versions of some commercial apps ?
Try www.snapfiles.com Click on the FREE tab at the top right. Also heaps of shareware at good prices. No ads, no bugs either.

If you need Office Apps go for Open Office, free for all.

Other than the OS I could run a whole business from whats available free safely.

jpChris · 2009/04/28

Hi all,

When I build systems, I do take advantage of as much free stuff to add as the person needs.

However, the issue is W98. A lot of the free stuff just isn't compatible with 98. Hence my dilemma and post.

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