Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Another fantastic bargain on software.

This is topic Another fantastic bargain on software. in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by John Spooner (Member # 1565) on 08-15-2003, 02:43 PM:

I just received the attached spam pertaining to current Adobe and Microsoft software.
Certainly another "buyer beware" situation.
John Spooner.
MAJOR TITLES FROM MICROSOFT AND ADOBE for ROCK BOTTOM PRICES!

Visit now! - http://www.%63%64%61%74%6c%6f%77.%63om/soft/

Why we'are saving you $1250,on 3 BEST SELLERS.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL -- Only $50!
Retail price: $270.99. You save $220
----------------------------------------------
MICROSOFT OFFICE XP PROFESSIONAL - Only $100!
Retail price: 579.99. You save $480
----------------------------------------------
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP 7 - Only $60!
Retail price: 609.99. You save $550
------------------------------------------------

More titles >>>http://www.cdatlow.com/soft/

We're giving you these INSANE discounts because these are the
official products without the box, manuals, documentation and
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http://www.cdatlow.com/soft/

AOL Users - Important Notice: If you can't double click the
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Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 08-15-2003, 03:00 PM:

They are probably bootleg or stolen copies. I would not touch them with a 10-foot pole. If someone buys them, it would not be too surprising that the little pin-striped boys carrying little clipboards would be knocking on your door if you tried to register the product if they were reported as stolen property.

As a note: Western Digital had a break-in some time ago and a bunch of new hard drives were stolen. Western Digital tracked many of them down by serial number. Those who had the drives had some tall explaining to do.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 08-15-2003, 03:02 PM:

It would be interesting to know what happens when someone attempts to "activate" a copy of XP.

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 08-15-2003, 03:29 PM:

quote:
They are probably bootleg or stolen copies

More likely, they are 'OEM' bundle packages (few of which ever have boxes or full documentation, others have the manuals on the CD itself in PDF format) which are fully licensed and legit (the 'legal technicality' is that they have to be simultaneously "purchased with a new PC")

I have a copy of Windows XP that is still in the shrinkwrap that is nothing but a genuine laser-etched MS CD in a paper sleeve, a carboard stiffener, and a flimsy XP 'basics' manual that has the genuine laser-hologram seal with the serial numbers that you are supposed to attach to the computer case and license intact. (It came with a machine that I couldn't use XP on and I installed Win98SE on instead.)

Software like this can be found legally at similar prices all the time at computer shows like the ones by MarketPro .

-Aaron

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 08-15-2003, 03:39 PM:

That's possible, Aaron. But then again, who is to say and who is to know? Buyer beware.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 08-15-2003, 06:09 PM:

On a related topic, I never, ever, let my software "call home". I can always check for updates manually. After you install your OS, the next thing you should install should be ZoneAlarm. There are no less than 15 different processes in XP Professional that routinely try to contact Microsoft and relay information about you, your machine, and other personal data. Only 2 or 3 of these are actually required for you to be able to surf the web. Adobe products try to call home, too.

Answering "no" to every connect request ZoneAlarm intercepts will help keep Big Brother out.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 08-16-2003, 02:06 AM:

Have the hackers found a way around activation? No, I don't wish to cheat but the whole business I find highly offensive not to mention a harbinger of things to come where software will only be subscribed to, not owned. For now I am sticking with 98SE but I realize the day will come when I will have to move on. I just hope when that happens I can do so without having to report in to Mr. Bill.

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 08-16-2003, 09:26 AM:

Steve wrote: "...highly offensive not to mention a harbinger of things to come where software will only be subscribed to..."

Actually, it's already that way; we only lease software, not "buy" it... an idea thought of by IBM in the 60's I think.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 08-16-2003, 11:34 AM:

quote:
Have the hackers found a way around activation?

Yes, before it was even released. (XP Pro)
[evil]