🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <0bclf0k@rpi.edu> ohland@itsgw.rpi.edu (Matt Ohland) writes:

   In reference to software testing, don't forget that some companies,
   MacProducts, for one, offer software for lease.  Test capabilities
   and legal software rights at the same time!

This is absolutely correct.  Then there's MacConnection (and many
other mail-order houses), which let you return software if you decide
that it doesn't meet your needs.  And there are Mac dealers who do,
in fact, let you try software before you buy it.  Egghead Software
comes to mind, and their prices are nearly as good as mail-order.

The point is not whether "borrowing software" or "taking it for a test
drive" is wrong -- it's not, as long as the software arrived on your
computer through legal means.  What bothers me is the thought that Mr.
Mora's software, *because it will help determine whether people have
engaged in the theft of other people's products* is inherently bad.

The "big bad MIS/DP department" argument doesn't wash; you're either
stealing or you aren't.

I should also say that from the point of view of liability, an
employee's reckless disregard of the law and of company policy could
potentially get the company itself into big trouble.  Companies don't
like getting into big trouble; they're much happier knowing that they
aren't going to be facing a dozen potential lawsuits by software
houses that discover that their products are being stolen.

If all the "big bad MIS/DP manager" does is take away your stolen
software, be happy; you could well lose your job for putting your
company in such legal jeopardy.

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   cmcl2!esquire!baumgart       |                           - David Letterman