Re: Copying System Disks?

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <4pk6gq$he9@nntp.ucs.ubc.ca>,
Tim Shoppa <shoppa@alph02.triumf.ca> wrote:
> With all the discussion about copyrights, I have formed a rather direct
> question:
> 
> I have severa old ][+'s, each with a language card, on which I've always
> used DOS3.2 or 3.3.  I recently got a //e and with it came several ProDOS
> system master disks, at least one of which will boot on my ][+'s.  Can I
> legally make copies of the ProDOS master disks for use on my ][+'s?

According to the original license agreement, probably not.  When
ProDOS came out, Apple supplied it with new computers, but you
normally had to buy a copy for an existing machine.

Practically, I doubt Apple would care, especially as you can download
a copy of ProDOS from at least one of Apple's FTP sites without paying
a licensing fee.

> If you had to buy them then, is there any chance that I can call
> Apple up now and purchase a copy, preferably with manuals? 

No chance.  You might be able to get the manual from somewhere, but the
latest version of ProDOS is easy enough to obtain.  There is a catch:
the latest version won't work on a ][+ or unenhanced IIe (unless you
replace the CPU with a 65C02, and the ][+ doesn't like most 65C02
brands).
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand