Comments on: Paying for software when there are free alternatives

By: mike3

mike3 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:36:28 +0000

“Don’t get me wrong – I am definitely not saying people should illegally copy software or use it in violation of its licence.”

But what is *ethically* (as opposed to *legally*) wrong with violating the license agreement? For example, if it says “you can’t make a backup” and you make one — which is NOT the same thing as giving away free copies to your friends by the way or posting the software on the net — how is that *ethically* wrong? Who have I *harmed* and how *gravely* by this action?

By: Computer Shop

Computer Shop — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:43:48 +0000

Thank you for your post

By: Lawrence D'Oliveiro

Lawrence D'Oliveiro — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:25:07 +0000

Just a note that it’s not a simple matter to take a hard drive with Windows preinstalled on it and stick it in another machine–Windows is liable to throw a wobbly when it notices the hardware has changed. Not to mention that you’ll awaken the Product Activation gremlins.

Windows doesn’t have the graceful hardware autodetection that is built into more modern operating systems.

By: colin

colin — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:21:02 +0000

The interviewer (usually Kathryn Ryan) asks the questions. She doesn’t always use the questions I write for her, but then, I don’t usually stick too close to the notes myself. The notes are just a guide for the conversation and make something useful to put on the blog.

Colin

By: Brenda

Brenda — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:16:32 +0000

I’m a little confused who is doing the Q and who is doing the A ?

By: Dave Lane

Dave Lane — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:22:01 +0000

I agree with Mike! Colin – well done – another cracking good expose on some of the best things money just can’t buy! Free software just goes better. Keep up the good work.

Dave

By: Mike Riversdale

Mike Riversdale — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:04:33 +0000

:-) Seems it’s the topic of the moment – nicely done