Re: Software 'licensing' <RANT>

[Dark_Dude@darkcastle.ecore.fnet.org (Dark_Dude)]

In Article <sheldon-2402970556500001@lpm2-6.atlcom.net>,
<sheldon@atlcom.net> wrote:


>> >Just something that occurred to me last night.  It seems to me that if a
>> >single user purchases software for his exclusive use, he ought to be
>>able  >to use that same software on as many computers as he wants,
>>provided that  >he only uses one copy at a time.

>> Most companies don't agree with that.  In fact, many of them are using a
>> hardware key to prevent someone from doing it.

>When I am in the situation described, I make multiple installs of the
>software. It may be a breach of the strict letter of the license but it
>is within the spirit of the license, in my opinion. As long as it is
>never the case that two people are using software at the same time the


But can someone who bought a 2nd computer (say a Mac or Wintel) with his last
money afford to buy several $199 packages of a program? I wouldn't be able
to... I have 2 GS's over here, and if I want to buy the latest programs, like
GW III and Convert 3200 + Lemmings, I simply must say that I couldn't. I have
no money to buy all the software I want, let alone buy of all software 2
copies.

But on one machines runs a BBS, and the other is used for games, so there is
no real problem over here. But suppose you are married, and you have 2
machines.. a 286 and a 386, and 2 children who need a computer. Would anyone
buy WP two times to use it on both machines? Think of a normal family
situation... How many people can really afford 2 copies of each program?

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