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From: I.G.Batten@fulcrum.bt.co.uk (Ian G Batten)
Newsgroups: alt.security,alt.folklore.computers,comp.society.futures
Subject: Re: Feedback on Computer Crime
Message-ID: <#|^%N3+@masalla.fulcrum.bt.co.uk>
Date: 16 Aug 90 09:44:15 GMT
References: <9008091507.AA06792@stc06.CTD.ORNL.GOV> <9735+C9@xds13.ferranti.com> <3990@servax0.essex.ac.uk>
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braum@essex.ac.uk (Branscombe M P C) writes: 
> the differences between commercial software and free/shareware are -
> backup services.  guarantees. fixing bugs in the code 5 years later.
> teaching you how to use the product. updates

Truly.  ``I seem to have lost my master of release 5 for an XYZZY box.
Could you generate me a BACKUP?''  ``I'm afraid we don't support
software that old, have you considered getting release 93?''

Or better.  ``This software doesn't work.  I'd like to claim under
GUARANTEE.''  ``What?  No fitness of purpose is warrented...''

Or better.  ``I'd like an UPDATE release of AIX to FIX the BUGS on my
PC/RT''.  ``I'm sorry, but have you considered buying a 6000?''.

Of course, when you buy a binary license for some software and the
software house goes bust, your position is completely safe.  And when
the vendor of your proprietory system goes under or withdraws support,
you'll find no commercial issues at all.

Those who know what com_err_, ioa_ and hcs_$terminate mean will realise
the worth of long term committment to product.

ian