info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (07/03/84)
From: John Clark <uw-beaver!clark@rand-unix> Date: 02 Jul 84 14:26:57 PDT (Mon) To: tecot@cmu-cs-h Cc: info-mac@sumex-aim, clark@rand-unix Subject: Re: disks, copy prot., etc. In-Reply-To: Your message of 2 Jul 1984 16:06:43-EDT. I believe as you do: copy protection is a disgusting affront to the user. I will go to considerable lengths to find alternatives to copy-protected software, or, failing that, to circumvent protection as necessary to preserve my investment and ensure minimal usability. Certainly there must be ample evidence in the marketplace of software companies that thrive without relying on copy protection. I am happy to pay for good copyable software, even when I can (and sometimes do) get it for free. I want to support the companies that produce such software, and do my part to encourage more of the same. Invariably when I have done this, I have received good, sometimes outstanding, support in return. I reciprocate by keeping backups to myself. As an aside, I once made an exception to this policy, at the encouragement (!) of the software author. I was given a copy of an Apple ][ fast-load utility called Diversi-DOS. A message on the diskette said to distribute copies freely, with the caveat that, if you got a copy and intended to use the software, you were requested to register with the author and send in a $30 fee--all on the "honor system." I was so astounded by this brash marketing technique, and impressed with the software, that I complied. I was rewarded with outstanding service, including several major upgrades at a mere $5 each. Incidentally, if you find out what StartUpScreen (at one time called BootScreen, I understand), Inited, and Bozo mean, post the answers to the bboard; I, too, would like to know. Thanks. John Clark clark@rand-unix
info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (07/04/84)
Date: 3 July 1984 02:59-EDT From: Jerry E. Pournelle <uw-beaver!POURNE@MIT-MC> Subject: disks, copy prot., etc. To: clark@RAND-UNIX Cc: info-mac@SUMEX-AIM, tecot@CMU-CS-H In-Reply-To: Msg of 02 Jul 84 14:26:57 PDT (Mon) from John Clark <clark at rand-unix> One problem with copy protection from publisher view: something I hadn't thought of before. Philippe Kahn of Borland (Turbo) points out that few pirate Turbo because the documentation is needed and not more than a couple of copies per site are used anyway. With their new "Sidekick" utility (where does Borland get its ugly names fro great programs) the program is self-explanatory, no documents are needed--and big companies will buy one copy, then make fifty copies and internally distribute. Kahn sells for $50.00 (well, $49.95) a fair price for a good product; and he's right, there are large outfits that have bought disk duplicators for internal use... What should publishers do? Many big companies are streaight arrow, but some BIG ones are not, and they have EXPENSIVE lawyers. (Do not suggest that we kill all the lawyers as solution. The idea has merits, but there are implementation difficulties). I've been active in denouncing copy protected software and in general have not changed my view (at $395.00 and like that, my sympathes are with the user); but what do we do about the situation where good programs at reasonable prices are ripeed off? (Incidentlally, the Borland copy protection scheme is deliberately unsophistiacted so that hackers will have no trouble with it; if they crack it they may even get a message congratulating them; it wasn't his intent to keep hobbyists from making backup and archive copies...)
info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (07/05/84)
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 84 14:12 PDT From: uw-beaver!Andersen.PA@XEROX.ARPA Subject: Re: disks, copy prot., etc. In-Reply-To: <8407022127.AA07980@rand-unix.ARPA> To: John Clark <clark@RAND-UNIX.ARPA> Cc: tecot@CMU-CS-H.ARPA, info-mac@SUMEX-AIM.ARPA "StartUp Screen" has been added to the upgraded System disk. It allows you to set any application such that it automatically boots each time the disk is inserted. Please let me know what Inited or Bozo means. Thanks. Scott