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Is this illegal

Discussion in 'Computers & Technology Forum' started by Aki, Oct 29, 2002.

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  1. Aki

    Aki Member

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    there are these three trial versions of programs (actually games) that come from the same company. these three programs will give you a number of times to play the game, and you will have to register for it to continue playing.

    of course there are hackers in the internet world who will teach you how to jump off those restrictions, using hacking softwares. i am really not into doing that.

    however, with the three trial versions i mentioned above, they actually secretly give you some sort of the full version. it is really hidden, but within your computer. i accidentally noticed it in one program and then found out that the other two programs use the same weak protection. there is no need of any hacking software. indeed, there is no need to get the registration code that will get the program into full version. it is because the full version is right in your computer - it is just hidden.

    i know that the programmers deserve to receive money for both their abilities and efforts.

    however, is it illegal to use that hidden full version?
     
    #1 Aki, Oct 29, 2002
  2. eric_b

    eric_b <img src="http://home.nc.rr.com/robotplot/tiny_eri

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    Possibly not illegal but certainly unethical. A clear conscience is worth much more than what the program costs...

    Eric
     
    #2 eric_b, Oct 30, 2002
  3. Sherrie

    Sherrie New Member

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    Eric
    you changed your picture?! You look different in this picture. But nice pose.

    Sherrie [​IMG]
     
    #3 Sherrie, Oct 30, 2002
  4. Bible Believing Bill

    Bible Believing Bill <img src =/bbb.jpg>

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    I would have to agree with Eric here. I'm not sure about the legality of the issues, but it is definatly unethical. It may possibly be illegal as well. These are probably programs that you would get a registration code for when you pay for them and the registration code would unlock the full program. Just because you didn't use any hacking software, and the programers had weak security dosn't mean that their copyrights and license agreements are any less valid. When you installed the trial version you more than likely clicked a button that said you agreed to their license agreement.

    Bill
     
    #4 Bible Believing Bill, Oct 30, 2002
  5. Loren B

    Loren B New Member

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    Thou Shalt Not Steal.
     
    #5 Loren B, Oct 30, 2002
  6. Son of Consolation

    Son of Consolation New Member

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    Hum, who said that? It sounds very familiar! ;)

    But of course, you are all right. No matter how we put it, the end result is stealing. And stealing is not good. It also happens to be against the law - and not just men's laws but that of God's, as Loren B has so eloquently spelled it out above. [​IMG]
     
    #6 Son of Consolation, Oct 31, 2002
  7. TrustingGod

    TrustingGod New Member

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    I was just looking over these post and thought about something. Ok, maybe it is wrong for you to use the program without paying for their efforts. But what I am wondering.. Is it wrong for them to make so many people "think" they have to pay for something that really, they already have? Just a thought.. [​IMG]
     
    #7 TrustingGod, Nov 2, 2002
  8. Don

    Don Well-Known Member
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    Not sure I'm getting where you're coming from, Trust.

    If you're thinking of software that came on your computer, then there's two ways of looking at it: You paid for the computer and the operating system, and any "full" versions of software that are on it. The price should not reflect any "demo" or "trial" versions (I say, "should").

    Other way is, yep, you paid a price for the computer and everything on it; check your bill of sale, and if it doesn't make any stipulations about "as is" software, then you're correct.

    Finally, I think the initial reference in this thread is talking about software you download or disks you get for free. In those cases, you haven't actually paid for that software yet, and "tweaking" your computer in order to get the "full" version is similar to test driving a car that has the title in the glove box, and then writing your name on the title and claiming the car as yours.

    Somewhat poor analogy, but I think it kinda fits.
     
    #8 Don, Nov 2, 2002
  9. Jonathan

    Jonathan Member
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    A number of bible study programs send disks with a number of programs on them. You pay a fee for each one and they send you a key to unlock the program.

    Are these companies doing something wrong? It would appear that companies that do this are bending over backwards to help you get the software that you want and are willing to take the risk that there will be unethical folks out there who are able to convince themselves of just about any action.
     
    #9 Jonathan, Nov 2, 2002
  10. LindaB

    LindaB New Member

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    it's stealing plain and simple.
     
    #10 LindaB, Nov 3, 2002
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