The M$ licenses are written by lawyers, for lawyers. While I agree with you, how many IT mangers are also lawyers? How many aren't PHB's (see Dilbert's boss for example)? Now try explaining to other managers they can't have the software they want. I was an IT manager, and when I refused because we didn't have the proper licenses, the other managers would just steal the software from my office and install it anyway. Then I would get written up.
And even if your interpretation of the license is fair and correct, is your business willing to spend the money to fight all the lawyers M$ has if you get targeted?
I've been to many states, and I've met idiots in all of them. The fact this bill got introduced in Texas has little to do with Texas. Every state is vulnerable to having this type of bill introduced. Highlighting these bills and defeating them should be our focus. Not state bashing.
I can answer you question and let you prove this to yourself. I already used this test to help a friend demonstrate to herself the real issues in this case. Wonder why the EFF lawyers haven't done this test!?
Here is a short ROT13 encrypted message: URYYB. Copy it onto a piece of paper. (Wait until he or she has done so.)
Now ask: "So did the fact the message was encrypted in anyway stop you from copying it?" No. "Did you need a decrypted version to COPY it?" No. Well, according to the movie studios, DeCSS is a decryption program used to make illegal copies of DVDs. But you just copied something without decrypting it. Now who has been lying to you and the courts about this case?...
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The M$ licenses are written by lawyers, for lawyers. While I agree with you, how many IT mangers are also lawyers? How many aren't PHB's (see Dilbert's boss for example)? Now try explaining to other managers they can't have the software they want. I was an IT manager, and when I refused because we didn't have the proper licenses, the other managers would just steal the software from my office and install it anyway. Then I would get written up.
And even if your interpretation of the license is fair and correct, is your business willing to spend the money to fight all the lawyers M$ has if you get targeted?
I've been to many states, and I've met idiots in all of them. The fact this bill got introduced in Texas has little to do with Texas. Every state is vulnerable to having this type of bill introduced. Highlighting these bills and defeating them should be our focus. Not state bashing.
I can answer you question and let you prove this to yourself. I already used this test to help a friend demonstrate to herself the real issues in this case. Wonder why the EFF lawyers haven't done this test!?
Here is a short ROT13 encrypted message: URYYB. Copy it onto a piece of paper. (Wait until he or she has done so.)
Now ask: "So did the fact the message was encrypted in anyway stop you from copying it?" No. "Did you need a decrypted version to COPY it?" No. Well, according to the movie studios, DeCSS is a decryption program used to make illegal copies of DVDs. But you just copied something without decrypting it. Now who has been lying to you and the courts about this case?...