Or FreeBSD, Darwin, or one of the other Open Source OS'es. I have to agree
that this MAY be an option for some, but these UNIX-like OS'es are not for
the everyday computer user.
I have to agree that the licensing structure on the current crap of software
is a bit like BS, it is smelly. There are 2 sides of this issue, those that
produce the software say they are recovering their R&D costs and investment.
And recovering just the investment has, just by accident, made Billy Boy the
richest dude in the world. And those that want to use the software so
produced. Those that produce the software are trying to get some even more
restrictive laws passed. I am not sure of the current status (or even if I
have the acronym correct) but check out something called the UITICA (???) Or
the recent moves by eBay and Yahoo Auctions to restrict auctions on
software.
I do know that in my world we have to license all the software. Including
the $8000 software that is licensed for exactly one machine. It is tied to
the hostid of the machine and if you want to move it to another you gotta
get permission from the maker. Or the $60,000 worth of database engine,
again tied to the hostid of the machine. I am the dude that maintains and
installs it all and I have an aversion to a $50,000 fine per instance and 5
years in the pokey. So when I advocate making sure you have enough licenses
to cover your installations, I am just CYA, well actually CMA.
I have no argument with licenses that cover the development of the software
(shareware), nor an argument with those that want to use the software for
their own purposes, no matter how many machines they personally have
(FileMaker, for one). But the reality is that ain't the way the licenses are
written and the bums are covered by current law.
Ya'll can do as you see fit, But I won't advocate for it.
Larry
On 12/30/00 8:05 PM, "Nolan Penney" <npenney@erols.com> wrote:
> Does this mean you'll be going to Linux? :-)
>
> Paul Tegler wrote:
>
>> This is a subject that has bugged me for years now.
>> Why do we put up with it!
>>
>> What other product do you / can you... buy that 'you don't
>> own'
>> 'can't legally resell' and 'the vendor is not responsible
>> is it's faulty.'
>> and usually if opened, can't be returned when found
>> defective.
>>
>> I think it's time to start a national campaign to end this
>> crap!
>>
>> Paul Tegler ptegler@cablespeed.com
>> www.teglerizer.com
>>
Larry Macy
78 Midget
Keep your top down and your chin up.
Larry B. Macy, Ph.D.
macy@bblmail.psycha.upenn.edu
System Manager/Administrator
Neuropsychiatry Section
Department of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce St. - 10 Gates
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Ask a question and you're a fool for three minutes; do not ask a question
and you're a fool for the rest of your life.
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