Re: Mac software on PC illegal???

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On 05.06.06 18:29, in article
arseno-919465.13291205062006@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Henri Arsenault"
<arseno@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Strange...but thanks for clearing it up.

That would mean that if the EULA states that I can only use a program
while standing on one foot with my right hand over one eye, then I could
be sued because I violated the EULA if both my feet touch the floor
while I am using the program? I bet lawyers would have a field day with
that!

Well, yes, theoretically. Think of all the fun that could be had with such
EULAs! ;-)

And FWIW, I never read the EULA for any program I buy (I just click on
agree). After all, the store where I buy my software only takes back
purchases if they are still in the unopened box, and reading the EULA
requires opening the box, so if I disagreed with a EULA my only option
would be to attempt to return the software to the provider and ask for a
refund (good luck!...). And when I buy a new program (especially games),
I want to use the program, and not to have to consult my lawyer to tell
me if anything in the EULA fine print is against my politics, my
religion, or my preferences.

In an age where pirated versions of most programs are freely available
on the web before the programs hit the shelves, it seems to me that
EULAs as well as protection schemes are dinosaurs of the past whose only
function is to harrass conscientious buyers and to keep the lawyers of
program producers busy...

I don't read EULAs, either. However, EULAs are the result of an
ever-increasing bureaucratisation of our society; unless a company states
explicitly what the consumer can or cannot do with its products, it'll be
sure to get sued for the most trivial reasons. This is why EULAs tend to be
so exhaustive, as they have to cover almost every conceivable issue that
consumers may encounter when using a company's product. There's this famous
urban myth of a woman who decides to dry her dog into the microwave (of
course the dog does not survive this treatment) and subsequently sues the
company that makes these microwaves since it does not explicitly state in
the user manual that you are not supposed to dry animals in them. What I'm
trying to say is: things that may seem obvious to you and me may not be so
to others, hence the ever-growing EULAs.

I recognize that your statements are your own opinions and may not
coincide with those of your employer - so are mine!

Just to clarify: I do not work for Microsoft. MVPs are volunteers who
participate in these newsgroups and are recognised by Microsoft for their
efforts. That's all there is to it; MVPs are in no way forced to defend
Microsoft, so it doesn't matter if our opinions coincide with Microsoft's or
not.

--
Michel Bintener
Microsoft MVP
Office:Mac (Entourage & Word)

***Always reply to the newsgroup.***

.

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