Re: the status of Apple system software & vogon hypocrisy

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Wayne Stewart writes ...
> 
> Rubywand wrote:
> 
> > Except for one thing: Apple II system software is not licensed. Nobody
> > has a valid license to distribute Apple II system software.
> 
> Check out the new User Group software distribution agreement at
> http://developer.apple.com/mkt/swl/agreements.html#user
> It specifically alows distributin of Apple II System
> software by the user group.

 ....

     When you go to that URL, what you find is ...

>>
Macintosh User Group

If you'd like to distribute Macintosh software as a Macintosh User Group you
will need to download and complete the license agreement below.
<<
 ....

     Macintosh software is not Apple II software. A search of the page found
no instance of "Apple II".

     However(!), if you go to the users' group software licensing agreement,
you find that the covered software includes software available via the net at
http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/
(except the Mac OS).  This includes GS System 6.0.1 and HyperCard software.

     It also includes software in "Exhibit A" of the document. Exhibit A
lists "Apple IIgs System Software", "Apple II System Software", GS Debugger,
..., and, even "DOS 3.3". Restrictions include non-profit distribution to
members, who are supposed to sign (or, on the net, click agreement with)
Apple's licensing terms.

     Must admit I had not considered users' group licenses; but, as you say,
they do include Apple's Apple II software.

     One item on the users' group license may supply hope for those with
licenses for distributing software commercially. The users' group license
specifies that it remains in effect until/unless cancelled. So, if the
commercial distribution licenses include the same provision, absence of a
cancellation notice would seem to mean that the license is still valid. (This
would conflict somewhat with the response of Apple's rep when asked directly
whether or not anyone has a valid license to distribute Apple II software.)

     Nowhere is there any mention of a license to distribute Apple II ROM
code.

     Thanks for posting the info and the link!



Rubywand