🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <v500ifdt7u581@corp.supernews.com>, "Todd" <todd44@quest.net> wrote:


Where is the CLASS ACTION lawsuit?


> Intuit's spin is that the C-Dilla files were added (without warning) to
> prevent unauthorized copying of the Intuit software, while still allowing
> customers some flexibility in doing their taxes. Intuit includes a CD key in
> its documentation, which users are required to enter in order to activate
> the software. TurboTax then transmits the key up to an Intuit server, which
> kicks back an acknowledgement that unlocks the software. At no time is any
> uniquely identifiable information exchanged between a user's PC and Intuit's
> servers. This scheme can also cause problems if hardware is upgraded. Should
> a user replace his or her hard drive or upgrade to a new computer, he or she
> may not be allowed to print a return or prepare an amended return. TurboTax
> 2002 will only allow taxes to be filed or printed from a single machine.
> However, the software may be installed on numerous PCs, and files may be
> saved and copied from one machine to another. What this means is that you
> can prepare your taxes on your laptop, for example, and then file them from
> your home computer. Intuit also allows multiple filings from the same PC,
> allowing spouses to file separately.
> 
> The resulting mess is causing many of the TurboTax customers to seek other
> tax programs that do not incorporate DRM. To counteract the critics, Intuit
> offers an uninstaller for the C-Dilla software that further complicates the
> situation. Using the uninstaller also stops TurboTax from functioning.
> 
> This latest fiasco will probably serve as a wake-up call to software
> developers in how they incorporate copy protection features in their future
> software offerings to insure that it is less intrusive to the user.  All
> sorts of privacy issues come to mind when a company attempts to control
> software piracy. What are, and what are not, the best practices will be
> boardroom conversation for months to come. The movie and recording
> industries are facing the same up-hill battle with copyright issues. We have
> no argument with these companies wanting to be proactive in their fight
> against piracy -- it takes millions and millions of dollars out their
> pockets. Nevertheless, if these companies want to keep their customers, they
> must remember that computer users do not want to participate if it is at the
> expense of security and privacy.