TurboTax Activation Fiasco

kurtinatlanta writes "Though the news broke in September, no one cares about tax return preparation software until January. Apparently Intuit's activation scheme for TurboTax will only allow you to print or file your returns from the computer on which you first installed it. The phrase "one computer" in their license literally means one computer. Moving the software (i.e. disk reformat, buy new computer) requires buying it again. There are all kinds of negative reviews on amazon.com as a result. Is this problem real or overhyped?" There's a more recent story about the flap. The Intuit PR rep is quoted as saying that people can install the software on multiple computers using the same activation code, but I don't think an unworking installation really counts.

Comments

Read the submission!

[Dynedain]

The Intuit PR rep is quoted as saying that people can install the software on multiple computers using the same activation code - the very thing that the activation process is supposed to prevent - so he is misquoted, misinformed, or lying.

No, you can install on another machine, you just can't print or file your return from that machine. Installation and printing are completely different things last I checked.

Re:Alternative?

[fobbman]

I've been checking out Kiplinger's Tax Cut from my local library for a few years now. Very thorough software, and it only costs me money when I return it late. ;)

Re:People are dumb....

[evilpenguin]

This is just dead wrong. I sniffed my network during the install. It opens an https session to a server at Intuit. About 30k of data is exchanged (being encrypted 128-bit I don't know what data). I can guarantee that if the reg key is included, they can cripple the next install. If you don't hook the machine to the internet, they don't let you pint or file. Don't make pronouncements out of ignorance.

Re:My take

[joshki]

This ability to transfer ownership of a DVD, book, CD, or VHS tape is because of the "principle of first sale." This is not a legal right, however, and only exists because it has been technologically impossible to prevent up to now, and because IP vendors were content with the revenue from the first sale.

Sorry, wrong answer. Section 109(a) of the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 109(a)

Do some research before you start spouting about things you don't understand -- the right of first sale is codified in law, and has been affirmed by the supreme court in numerous cases. There may be debate about how it applies to some digital media by some corporations, but that doesn't change the fact that it certainly is a legal right.