Re: The software piracy issue

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

In article <31B88798.2270@med.unc.edu>, "Randall H. Friedline[User]"
<friedr@med.unc.edu> writes:

>....
>I have apple software that *I* bought.  I have a PC.  I now have access 
>to an Apple emulator on the PC.
>	Would I be correct in saying that, even though I own the Apple 
>software, It would be illegal of me to make a disk image of it to play on

>the emulator?
>

     Whether or not modifying a product for some other platform is,
officially, "legal", there is a general common-sense understanding that
Owning an item means that you get to use it. You do not own "the game";
but, you do own the copy of the game for which you paid good money. If you
modify the game to include some desired feature or change it to run on
your PC, no one has any good reason for complaint.

     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.

     If the attraction is getting 'free' Apple II software, there is
always the question: why not just "pirate" the real thing?  Even better,
why not buy one of the collections constantly advertised on
comp.sys.apple2.marketplace at dirt cheap prices?-- often, these include
boxes, docs, etc. along with the diskettes.

     Maybe the real attraction is getting to participate in a '90's
version of the 'Apple Club basement disk-swap meets'. There is a feeling
of building something-- i.e. The Collection-- along with the fun of being
part of an 'In-Group'.

     Whatever, it would be interesting to have a clarification from emu
users.

     One suggestion: as long as Asimov is going to maintain for-PC disk
images of Apple II games, at least do it right. You will find that
software creators are much less likely to mind having their Old wares
'immortalized' for PC if opening screens, credits, and copyright notices
remain in tact.


Rubywand