Re: A Franklin and an Alltech Drive

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Jeff Blakeney writes ...
> 
> On Sat, 04 Dec 1999 14:53:27 -0600, Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>
> wrote:
> 
> >Regarding the status of ProDOS: it is no longer licensed by Apple; but, it
> >is not public domain, either. (And, if you really want to type it in from a
> >listing, Apple won't complain.)
> 
> What do you when you say that ProDOS "is no longer licensed by Apple"?

     What I mean is that ProDOS is no longer licensed by Apple.


> ProDOS is still a copyrighted work by Apple that is classified by them
> as system software.

     True. Nevertheless, the last time I checked with Apple it (along with
other Apple II system software) was no longer licensed.


> Apple system software is freely distributable but you still must
> obtain a license from Apple to distribute it and you are only allowed
> to distribute it in a couple of forms (physical disk and file transfer
> usually).  Also, unless your license says otherwise, you can't
> distribute it in a modified form.
> 

     Kind of a problem, isn't it?

     Actually, it was (and still is) standard practice to permit private
non-profit distribution of software on ProDOS diskettes-- for example, someone
might offer a ProDOS utilities disk for the cost of materials and mailing.

     As for commercial distribution of software ...

     The matter was discussed with an Apple rep earlier this year. I mentioned
that the non-licensed status of ProDOS could cause difficulties and asked if,
perhaps, Apple II users and vendors were in a 'don't ask, don't tell' situation
regarding system software. The rep agreed. 

     By the way, I did suggest that ProDOS might be reclassified "public
domain" as a good will, good PR gesture. The rep said that he would pass the
suggestion along.



Rubywand