Re: The software piracy issue

["James R. Ivie" <jivie@folio.com>]

RUBYWAND wrote:
>      Regarding emulations of Apple II software, there is a mystery which
> an emulation user may be able to clear up: Why bother?
> 
>      Apple II+, IIe, and, even, IIgs systems are very inexpensive; and,
> Old Apple II software runs great on Apple II systems. For example, you
> have no problem saving arcade game Hi Scores or saving position in an
> adventure game. Speed will be good, the displays will look the way they
> should, sound works right, and controls function properly. If you get
> into, say, Ultima III, you can expect a good adventure with no worries
> about some weird, game-killing glitch.

Why bother???!!?
	First, the Apple II is ugly.  It's 20 years old and looks it.
	Second, It takes up too much room.  I'm already short on desk 
space.  One ZIP disk or CDROM with all my software is much smaller than 
all the 5.25" disks too.
	Third, maintenance.  I happen to be an expert on Apple II 
maintenance, but I don't have time to fix all the hardware glitches.  
And they were frequent.  I had to reseat chips at least twice a year, 
and replace bad chips at least every two years.  Those 5.25" floppies 
don't last forever, either.
	Fourth, performance.  Yes, everything runs fine on a real Apple 
II, but it runs FASTER and more reliably on an emulator.  Emulator speed 
is adjustable.
	Fifth, backup.  I can backup everything in minutes now.  Using a 
real apple, it would take weeks.
	Sixth, state saving.  Yes, many games can save in the middle, 
but way more can't.  If you want to save game, you need an emulator.  (I 
still don't understand why modern OSs don't provide a save state 
feature).
	Seven, hardware support.  With my emulator I can use keyboard or 
mouse to play games designed only for use with a joystick.

Anyone else care to elaborate?

:-)