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The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a
Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble
beginnings, a multi-million dollar
industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but
until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the
recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is
now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there
are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system,
none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the
latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous
versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware,
Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such
as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy
names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from
the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's
perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely
redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free
availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among
cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the
documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me
in the "required configuration" section of the manual.
I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium
processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a
whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously
boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the
"bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are
blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95,
it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive,
computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system?
Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many
complaints. A brief perusal of the
features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many
crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry
standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the
best efforts of the experts at the Internet
Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer
standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By
refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining
its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software
is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that
your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not
work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational
purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games
are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely
available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not
bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by
the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are
commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for
Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular
ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux,
you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the
Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux
Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too
much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux
would have addressed these problems? The real question that the
prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all,
Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need
to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will
be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those
Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system
patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly
wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

Adobe may be leaving Asian makets but their products won't be... Adobe is just leaving the risk behind. For example, a recent press release said that they chose Lionbridge, which will localize the company's recently released Illustrator 10 graphics software into Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Korean, "based on its ability to provide the Adobe team with improved quality and a more manageable localization process" (see press release) but I think it's simply an operation in risk management: Lionbridge invests the US$750,000 it would cost to produce the Asian versions of Illustrator 10 and then it also pays royalties. If the piracy rate is as high as the Business Software Association thinks it is -- 94 percent -- then Lionbridge takes all the risk while Adobe can only benefit. This meshes with Adobe's official position: "the company remains committed to developing Chinese-language versions of its products, despite comments reportedly made by its chief executive officer last week that Adobe could abandon the market because of software piracy in the region." (see IT World)
-Duke


Additional coverage: Mass High Tech, IT News (Australia)

Yes, my purchasing department can.

So can the bsa.

As far as lowering the prices, how can they hope to compete with people selling their entire library for $5(US)?

If you don't like the prices, don't use the software.

The BSA supports the DMCA. This press release explains that. Now you know more about these guys and who really gives them their marching orders.

On the page you cite, it says

The license associated with this product allows for free personal use only. Use on multiple PCs in a corporate, educational, military or government installation is prohibited. See the license agreement for details.

Kinda makes it not-worth-it in a business setting, huh?

From the BSA's site, they have GASP for free download (Windows and Macintosh only, of course).

After looking that up, why do I feel like I need to take a shower?

I am an Anti-Christ,
and I am an anarchist.
Don't know what I want, but I know how to get it,
I want to destroy, possibly?

Cause I want to be Anarchy. No dog's body.

Anarchy for the U.S.A.
It's coming sometime it maybe.
I give a wrong time, stop a traffic light.
Your future dream is a shopping spree.

Cause I want to be Anarchy, in the city.

Of many ways to get what you want
I use the best, I use the rest.
I use the enemy,
I use anarchy.

Cause I want to be Anarchy, it's the only way to be.

Is this the ICANN?
Is this the BSA?
Is this the ANP?

I thought it was the U.S.A., or just another country and other cunt-like tendencies.

Cause I want to be Anarchy, cause I want to be Anarchy, you know what I mean?

Cause I want to be an Anarchist, again I'm pissed, Destroy!

Here's an interesting note from the BSA's privacy page. GASP is the product used to scan for illegal software.

"The personal information volunteered by visitors to our website to download GASP software will be transferred to Attest who will use the personal information for a number of purposes, including the identification of users, direct marketing and online transactions."

Doesn't Chad Codemaster look like Wil Wheaton?

-B

-B

-B

Gee I went to their GASP download page but could only find the versions for 9x, NT and OS8.0 what about people with real^H^H^H^H alternative OS's? I suppose anyone running OSX or linux can just grease up and bend over.

Oh and I hope they encoded those mp3's with a legal codec ;-)

I've got no problem with the license here.

When it came up of screen, I copied the license into my paint program, made a few changes, and agreed to that.

So far, I have not heard any complaints from Borland that they did not like my changes. So, I forgot to tell them. Big deal, they did not tell me about their license before I bought the product.

In truth, I've not purchased JBuilder (although I like Delphi). Sounds pretty awful. I would think there would have a great deal of trouble enforcing this.

However, a real threat that is just as bad is being ratted out by a disgruntled employee (or ex-employee), and being subject to a BSA audit. BTW, the disgruntled employee needs no factual basis for this to occur.

The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a
Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble
beginnings, a multi-million dollar
industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but
until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the
recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is
now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there
are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system,
none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the
latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous
versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware,
Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such
as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy
names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from
the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's
perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely
redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free
availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among
cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the
documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me
in the "required configuration" section of the manual.
I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium
processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a
whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously
boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the
"bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are
blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95,
it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive,
computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system?
Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many
complaints. A brief perusal of the
features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many
crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry
standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the
best efforts of the experts at the Internet
Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer
standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By
refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining
its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software
is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that
your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not
work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational
purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games
are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely
available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not
bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by
the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are
commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for
Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular
ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux,
you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the
Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux
Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too
much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux
would have addressed these problems? The real question that the
prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all,
Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need
to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will
be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those
Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system
patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly
wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble beginnings, a multi-million dollar industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system, none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware, Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me in the "required configuration" section of the manual. I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the "bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95, it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive, computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system? Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many complaints. A brief perusal of the features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the best efforts of the experts at the Internet Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux, you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux would have addressed these problems? The real question that the prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all, Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

Bad form replying to my own post... whatever...

Here's the current global study.

I always thought it was spelled "37337."

Here are some stats from the Business Software Alliance.

What I find interesting here is that while the total dollar losses are the highest in North America, the 'Piracy Rate' is the lowest. That means that the large majority of software users in the U.S. and Canada are properly licensed, law-abiding citizens.

Further, these stats say that piracy has gone down not up.

( Here's a current study with information by US region. )

Here are some stats from the Business Software Alliance.

What I find interesting here is that while the total dollar losses are the highest in North America, the 'Piracy Rate' is the lowest. That means that the large majority of software users in the U.S. and Canada are properly licensed, law-abiding citizens.

Further, these stats say that piracy has gone down not up.

( Here's a current study with information by US region. )

Here are some stats from the Business Software Alliance.

What I find interesting here is that while the total dollar losses are the highest in North America, the 'Piracy Rate' is the lowest. That means that the large majority of software users in the U.S. and Canada are properly licensed, law-abiding citizens.

Further, these stats say that piracy has gone down not up.

( Here's a current study with information by US region. )

Given the amount of money the BSA thinks is being lost to software piracy, they would have implemented such measures already if it were practical.

Side note: Wisely, the BSA runs its web site using free software.

The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a
Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble
beginnings, a multi-million dollar
industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but
until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the
recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is
now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there
are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system,
none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the
latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous
versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware,
Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such
as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy
names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from
the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's
perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely
redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free
availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among
cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the
documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me
in the "required configuration" section of the manual.
I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium
processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a
whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously
boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the
"bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are
blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95,
it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive,
computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system?
Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many
complaints. A brief perusal of the
features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many
crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry
standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the
best efforts of the experts at the Internet
Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer
standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By
refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining
its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software
is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that
your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not
work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational
purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games
are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely
available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not
bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by
the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are
commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for
Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular
ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux,
you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the
Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux
Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too
much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux
would have addressed these problems? The real question that the
prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all,
Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need
to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will
be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those
Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system
patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly
wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware, Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me in the "required configuration" section of the manual. I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the "bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95, it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive, computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system? Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many complaints. A brief perusal of the features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the best efforts of the experts at the Internet Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux, you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux would have addressed these problems? The real question that the prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all, Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

Nothing like a taste of yer own medicine ;-) Perhaps with enough audits going on, they won't notice this small fleet of rebel X-Wings...

Version: PGPfreeware 7.0.3 for non-commercial use

Does this mean if I use my laptop with this version of PGP "freeware" at my employer's location whilst on the clock, a BSA raid could net another violation?

Offering "the best office suite" for free, which can only be referring to Microsoft Office XP, is piracy. Expect to be visited by the Business Software Alliance soon.

Will cross-border prodecution stop at defamation law, or can we (or at least Austrelians) sue the Chinese for copyright violations? Perhaps this is a good thing. Then maybe the RIAA and the BSA would move their base of operations to Austrelia. Good ridence....

The Business Software Alliance can fine people without trial.

I think it is due to contractual penalities provided for in the license agreement (the agreement doesn't even have all the terms, you agree to agree to other terms which are in other documents you don't see). Out courts enforce this for Microsoft. Then BillyG says that he doesn't like judicially interference (in his monopoly). He does like judicial control when it suits (pun intended) him.

Speaking of lawsuits, due process is guaranteed by the Constitution, but not in practice. You can be subjected to "summary judgement for the plaintiff" in which case you lose without a trial.

Treating each node as a peer! Don't they know that Peer to Peer networks are stealing from our musicians and corrupting our youth! I just hope they can repent before the heavy hand of justice comse down on them.

Steven

• You can only use their "free" software for 5 (or 100?) PC's (regkey for only 5 stations)
  
• It will only work for 60 days "free" after that you need to pay to see if you are using (so-called illegal) software ...
  
• then you need to register to be compliant not to be visited by them.
  
• Else you are using illegal software, remember?
  
• To get a "free key" you need to enter your name, address, all information, else you are .. of'course ... using ILLEGAL software ...
  

• I wonder if Attest Systems is a official BSA member ...
  
• I wonder that software "Gasp Audit Tool" makes any connection to the net to "report", some info about the software here.
  

Freaker / TuC

• You can only use their "free" software for 5 (or 100?) PC's (regkey for only 5 stations)
  
• It will only work for 60 days "free" after that you need to pay to see if you are using (so-called illegal) software ...
  
• then you need to register to be compliant not to be visited by them.
  
• Else you are using illegal software, remember?
  
• To get a "free key" you need to enter your name, address, all information, else you are .. of'course ... using ILLEGAL software ...
  

• I wonder if Attest Systems is a official BSA member ...
  
• I wonder that software "Gasp Audit Tool" makes any connection to the net to "report", some info about the software here.
  

Freaker / TuC

• You can only use their "free" software for 5 (or 100?) PC's (regkey for only 5 stations)
  
• It will only work for 60 days "free" after that you need to pay to see if you are using (so-called illegal) software ...
  
• then you need to register to be compliant not to be visited by them.
  
• Else you are using illegal software, remember?
  
• To get a "free key" you need to enter your name, address, all information, else you are .. of'course ... using ILLEGAL software ...
  

• I wonder if Attest Systems is a official BSA member ...
  
• I wonder that software "Gasp Audit Tool" makes any connection to the net to "report", some info about the software here.
  

Freaker / TuC

Um... maybe because MSFT is a member and key financer of the BSA, one of the DMCA's chief architects/proponents?

Is there any reason NOT to keep the pressure on these guys until DMCA is overturned?

-Renard

Adobe's a member of the BSA.

The BSA has an interesting statement on the DMCA here. This is a response to a Library of Congress rule available here.

Members of the BSA include Adobe, Apple Computer, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, CNC Software/Mastercam, Compaq, Corel Corporation, IBM, Intel, Intuit, Lotus Development, Macromedia, Microsoft, Network Associates, Novell, Sybase, Symantec, and Walker Digital; i.e. most of /.'s favourite hate companies, plus some extras.

These are the guys to line up against. They've been around since the '80s. I suspect that Adobe's lawyers are all BSA stooges. Certainly Adobe's PR department doesn't seem to be toeing the BSA line.

How about another even more outrageous reflexive relationship? If the BSA is successful at international enforcement of U.S.-based licenses, they will be able to extract rather large amounts of capital from rather poor countries. The trade balance will swing in favor of the U.S. and result in a stronger US$ (currency strength always follows the balance of trade). A stronger US$ in turn requires these countries to pay out even more for software licenses and swing the trade balance even further in favor of US commercial software publishers.

Soros's reflexivity theory explains boom and bust market cycles. It also explains why booms build slowly, reach a frenzied climax, and then bust violently (like the dot-comedy). Usually, some new factor (a disruptive technology) enters the picture and reverses the direction of the circle, changing beneficiaries into victims and vice-versa. It's no wonder Microsoft abhors free software alternatives. There are many such vicious circles in the software industry that are fueled by the current commercial software model. Microsoft's entire business model depends on these circles remaining intact. And as you know, free software is the only realistic way that these circles can be reversed.

Before pursuing them in court, the author should offer to license the code for use in a closed-source product for the price of $5 Billion (or a similarly outrageous figure). The company will, quite sensibly IMO, be unwilling to pay the price. At this point, he has actual monetary damages (at least according to the BSA and, apparently, US courts) to sue for. IANAL, but it seems pretty open and shut :-).

A cheaper alternative is to call the BSA to handle all your auditing needs. They will fix you up with an offer you can't refuse

BSA

The best part about the BSA's site, is the fact that when you click on "Our Privacy Policy" from their registration page, you get a page not found error. That sure makes me feel good about THEIR ethics, while they claim to be a moral authority themselves.

The best part about the BSA's site, is the fact that when you click on "Our Privacy Policy" from their registration page, you get a page not found error. That sure makes me feel good about THEIR ethics, while they claim to be a moral authority themselves.

That BSA is not your father's Boy Scouts of America, the BSA is Microsoft's personal National Guard. Have a grudge against your current employer? Give them a call. The BSA has the legal rights to fix them up real good.

Yep, they are still playing those. It's an organization which is backed by Microsoft and a few other software companies. The commercials are a real gas, they say stuff like "Your company is not in danger unless you have any former or disgruntled employess" or something along those lines. The org is called the business software alliance or BSA. I have to wonder though, this isn't a governmental organization, what would happen if you simply don't let them in.

When UCITA came to my home state, Maryland, I was informed by several consumer/library advocates that lobbyists from Microsoft and AOL were in attendence and vocally in favor of UCITA.

Here is some pro-UCITA propaganda its proponents have put up:

The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA)'s UCITA brief; and here are the SIIA's members.

And my all-time favorite, the Business Software Alliance's Why Software Professionals Should Support [UCITA] (And What Will Happen If They Don't.

The BSA consists of Adobe, Apple, Compaq, Dell, IBM, Intel ... and, of course, Microsoft. Here is a list of member companies.

Additionally, if you want a good "Who's-Who" on UCITA, check out the comments filed at the Federal Trade Commission's recent conference on High-Tech Warranties.

If you're interested, here is a site I threw up concerning UCITA and EULAs. I wrote a letter to Maryland governor Glendening opposing UCITA, and here's the nebulous reply I got back.

Sincerely,

Vergil
Vergil Bushnell

When UCITA came to my home state, Maryland, I was informed by several consumer/library advocates that lobbyists from Microsoft and AOL were in attendence and vocally in favor of UCITA.

Here is some pro-UCITA propaganda its proponents have put up:

The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA)'s UCITA brief; and here are the SIIA's members.

And my all-time favorite, the Business Software Alliance's Why Software Professionals Should Support [UCITA] (And What Will Happen If They Don't.

The BSA consists of Adobe, Apple, Compaq, Dell, IBM, Intel ... and, of course, Microsoft. Here is a list of member companies.

Additionally, if you want a good "Who's-Who" on UCITA, check out the comments filed at the Federal Trade Commission's recent conference on High-Tech Warranties.

If you're interested, here is a site I threw up concerning UCITA and EULAs. I wrote a letter to Maryland governor Glendening opposing UCITA, and here's the nebulous reply I got back.

Sincerely,

Vergil
Vergil Bushnell

You can make money off of their technological incompetance.

You can turn them in to the BSA, and in some countries even collect bonuses.

just think, another tool to push *your* political agenda.

Start today!

Don't try this at home, kids.

Also, be sure to report yourself for copying linux cds at http://new.bsa.org/usa/report/report. pht ml

there are 3 kinds of people:
* those who can count

And shame on you for your bad grammer God of all that is Taco.

Here is the official anti-piracy website in Italian.. couldn't find it in english
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The Business Software Alliance might be able to investigate you for piracy, but only if you (a) have contracted with them to allow this, or (b) they can convince a judge that they have probable cause to believe you have comitted an offence.

This also applies to the Bavarian and the British Columbia Software Alliance, but may not be true of the Brest Software Alliance,, or anywhere else where the old French business codes apply. Perhaps Singapore?

Since nobody was nice enough to provide a link to anything of note, here's a link to the article on the BSA site.

Note: Looks like the BSA site is already taking a beating ... GO slashdot effect!!

Click here for a link to the article from the BSA web site

The problem with this unit is that they are highly incompetent. They run around after script kiddies, because anything more advanced is clearly beyond their reach. So, if you'd like to do e.g. industrial espionage, Norway is the country, cause legal enforcement is too stupid to figure it out (well, don't take that as legal advice... :-) ).

I'm pretty sure Ecocrime is not getting anywhere. Fortunately, we have The Data Inspectorate and the Consumer Ombudsman that are highly clued in many areas. I have been highly impressed by how these people have handled the spam issue (spam is outlawed in Norway with reference to long existing laws, new laws are in development). (In the medicall area, it is my opinion that the Data Inspectorate is too strict, their insistence that it must be totally impossible for anybody to unauthorized access medical data does in many cases hinder effective treatment).

Also, Ecocrime have an excellent track record in loosing court cases as well, and I'm pretty sure they are not going to get anywhere with the DeCSS case either.

The reason why I say they are a real problem is that their incompentense makes them do whatever they are told to do. The result is that they can harass citizens without having any case at all. They'll loose in court, but the mere threat of having the police knocking down the door seizing equipment may be enough to silence critics. I wrote an e-mail to the Minister of Justice about it (she's not awfully clued either), I haven't heard anything, but at least it didn't bounce... :-)