|
Mindach's opinion of software copyrights, We need copyright reform now, the problem is growing at an alarming rate and no one seems to care (but me). A uniform software "use agreement" act is needed. |
|
There is a huge problem in this country over copyright laws when it comes to software. Companies allow us to download their packages and install their stuff with a quick "I AGREE" button and want to hold you to their deceptive terms. There is no way that the end user will read, and understand these terms, or realize the impact that it could have on their systems. They quickly sign (click) away their privacy, agree to change their purchased software to a lease, timeout their installed packages, use of your name (and friends) in endorsements, or send spam mail to others in your name, the abuse list goes on forever as they continue to dream up things that you "agree to" in that quick click. Abuse has happened on both sides but, for once and for all, we need a "standardized" use agreement. The time has come for software companies be held to a "good practice" policy or be shut off from distribution via the internet. Junkware, Spyware, Viruses and more, even Microsoft require, hide, and attempt to control consumers computers for their own gain. Who owns your computer, and pays to maintain the system...you.! It is the end user not the software companies property, but not as it seem to the software companies. The time has come to for the software companies to realize they are just making a tool, much like a wrench, I should be able to use that wrench on all my cars I own. In much the same way a software package should be used on all my systems (to a point) in my household. It would not be fair to install on 200 of my corporate computers, but up to 3 installs should be permitted at the same household, or users of a corporate machine. Above all standardize the "user agreement" so we all know what to expect. Microsoft wants the best of both worlds. If you setup multi-users they want you to buy a copy for each user even though it is on the same machine seems silly yes, but true. They also make it almost impossible to salvage an operating system from a damaged or stolen system even if you have the original disks and proof of ownership. Buy a new system and you Must buy a new operating system. (HardDrive, CPU, or Motherboard, if you replace any 2 of these you mist buy a new copy of Windows). This is a time that our US federal government could get involved and come to our rescue, to set standards, and provide a level "playing field" for everyone. In a normal market there is enough competition to prevent these "predatory practices". But I don't believe it will happen there is just too much money involved with the major software companies (go MS stock) I won't get into a rant on Microsoft, but let me say they need a muzzle, they are the largest and most profitable company in the works and they want more... See Genuine Advantage in www.google.com. Software should be the same price to everyone. As it stands now an operating system from Microsoft cost about $200 but you can by a whole computer from Dell for about $350 with that $200 operating system installed! How is that possible? Dell could not pay $200 for their copies. This is not fair to the little manufacture as it effectively put them out-of-business. I wonder why there were so many "pirate copies" of Microsoft products when people see these abuses from the largest, most profitable company anywhere. Obviously, Microsoft has not suffered much from the piracy problem all these years, but show no signs of lowering prices even though every thing else in the computer industry is getting cheaper. And No Warranty, what a deal. It is time the internet and software companies "grow up" and all agree on a fair and equal copyright contract.
|