I have too many things to remember to do these days... updating apps and my OS are, and have been, automated for several years. One less thing for my aging cranium to remember!
But you trust them enough to run their OS, AV, and apps... ???
Seems somewhat contradictory to me.... but i do have a drinking problem!
LOL!
There is software available that requires you to perform mathematical and other problem solving questions before it will allow you to log-in to the likes of Facebook, when drunk, and thus stopping you posting embarrassing things, Perhaps we should consider this as a service to members.
But back on topic
What I actually find sad with this sort of thing is that the target singled out for criticism, is misplaced. The only reason Microsoft, or any other software developer, incorporates license checks, into their product is because of the pirates, who steal software, It's the same with DRM. I come from Industry where software licences are often enforced by physical, license keys, if the dongle is not present it does not work, period, this form of license security is not often bypassed, even though the software licence could be worth many thousands of dollars.
The price of software is set at that which can be recovered from the customer, it is the same with any product, It will include a proportion of the cost of the software that is due to piracy, either the lost income from pirated copies or the development and enforcement cost of anti-piracy measures.
I do believe that regional pricing from the software suppliers would do a lot to curb piracy levels. In developed markets such as the US and Europe the piracy level is lower that those markets where the generally flat rate pricing of software, across international boundaries, means that the software can cost more than a months wage.
The basic point of this overly long post is if you want to lower the price of software and remove the phoning home that is now becoming more common, purchase legitimate software and support the anti piracy measures, which are a necessary evil
Just my personal opinion of course :)
Once again, a difference in opinions.Kari-
There could be a good argument made that you can build a decent "work at home box" using Neweeg parts for 'bout $300.00. (Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz, 2 Gig Ram, 250Gig Hardrive, DVD burner, etc.). Then add a $100.00+ for the OS and it seems to me that 25% of the total system cost being the OS seems pretty steep.
Maybe a little more reasonable pricing from MS would go a long way in preventing piracy. Although if the OS was $10.00, there would still be folks trying to steal it just because they can. I'm not trying to justify piracy because of retail pricing, nor do I believe that MS should be a non-profit organization. Just thinking that a little more fairness in pricing would go a long way in controlling the problem.
In my opinion, OS is the single most important and essential part of any computer. You can set up a rig costing a couple of thousands, all components state of the art, but wrong OS (too old or not compatible with your software etc. ) can ruin your computing experience. The rig is simply not living up to it's standards.
With todays component prices you can set up a fine rig with quite a little of money, that's true. But the principle remains: OS is the single most important component in your system. Personally, if I had very little money I would start making a rig by buying an OS i want and/or need. Then I'd start with basic components to assemble the rig itself, upgrading hardware components one by one when I got some more money to invest.
What? So I should only post Monday mornings?There is software available that requires you to perform mathematical and other problem solving questions before it will allow you to log-in to the likes of Facebook, when drunk, and thus stopping you posting embarrassing things, Perhaps we should consider this as a service to members.
You are an artist with words, my friend. That's about as well said as it is possible.
To those interested, check out the BSA (Business Software Alliance) anti-piracy site. Available in several languages and localized versions.
Kari
WOW! This is a heated topic!
I cant believe how quickly this thread grew!
I couldnt agree more Barman! I also think MS will eventually find a way to lock down their OS's, stop piracy, and thus lower prices.
To all the MS H8rs:
Why does it always have to boil down to Bill Gates stole or borrowed from Apple... so I steal from MS...???
OR
#2 argument: Gates is the richest man alive... he doesnt need anymore money...??? Both are lame/baseless/illogical arguments.
And if you still want to claim that Gates stole from MS, research Steve Wozniak's statements on this... he says:Additionally, MS H8rs... If you think MS pricing is bad, try buying Adobe CS4 or (soon) CS5! At least MS has deals and programs directed at students/others that actually save them massive quantities of weekend beer money. Adobe's student discount program is a joke, with negligible savings!Steve Wozniak/Apple Co-founder said:
MS also has other programs such as their MSDNAA (Academic Alliance) where students can get FREE copies of many, many MS titles. This program is usually reserved for CIS or technical students, but a fantastic program.
Other than free "open sores" software, who else has deals like these to assist cash starved students?
Microsoft is great! If you dont like Microsoft leave them! Just try playing (insert your favorite game here) on a Linux system!
LOL!
I completely agree. I don't blame MS or anyone for trying to protect their copyrights. And I have no problem with MS or any other company making a profit. I don't use pirated software and I support most anti-piracy measures.
The problem I have with phoning home is the potential and the temptation for abuse - and it has been abused. The bottom line for me is that I am a very independent individual. I want to make my own choices and I fully accept the responsibility, accountability, and consequences that come with the freedom to make my own choices. I do not want corporations or government making my choices and decisions for me. That is just me.
Exactly.
Carl, I don't want to question you or heat up the discussion further. But I would like to understand. The usual argument is like that, they don't want their computer being controlled by anybody. What kind of control or info is sent to MS besides the registration info (I really don't know, it is an open question)? I think it is nothing more than that, so it really boils down to paying for the software or not, doesn't it?
Darryl, please note that I stated I do not trust MS, Adobe GM, etc and I said that I do not necessarily distrust them either.But you trust them enough to run their OS, AV, and apps... ???
I trust MS to develop and engineer an O/S and software that are reliable, work properly and do the job that I need done. IMHO MS fulfills this very well. I do not necessarily trust MS corporate agenda and policies. I trust Ford to build me a truck that is reliable, dependable, and functions well. That does not mean I endorse or trust Ford's corporate agenda and/or policies. I trust Triumph to build me a motorcycle that gets me from point A to point B and is reliable. That does not mean that I trust John Bloor. This doesn't mean that I distrust him either. I would not like Ford or Triumph telling me where to drive/ride, when to drive/ride, having me report to them how I am using their products, or tracking where I have driven or ridden.
This is just the quirky old guy that I am.
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