So what users are more likely to violate a software license? The question today after all the work that’s been done to secure the agreement between the developer and the user. Do people still “share” a copy of their software? How about this, what about someone who works for a company (or the owner) and that company buys 10 user license. But there are only 7 computers. That leaves 3 and the office manager takes the disk home and installs a copy on her home computer. Then lets her brother install a copy on his. Have you ever looked for software cracks? Seems to be a wealth of them if you ask me.
What about Linux users? I’m sure anyone who thinks they need to violate (not pay for the license to use the software) a software license will. But from what I can tell Linux users for the most part don’t violate IP rights. No, I mean think about it in a real sense. I have seen one copy installed on PC after PC in places you would never guess to violate a software license agreement! And yes most of the computer using world uses a one copy per computer/user pay for software/OS.
I do think credit is due to Linux and Open source. Thanks to the GPL and free software, users who use GPL software don’t violate end user license agreements. Even around the World it offers a better choice and a legal one. Linux and open source may not be helping Proprietary Developers make a profit. But they can sleep well knowing that Linux users don’t use proprietary software. In other words, Linux users are free and legal.
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