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From: hsu@hutcs.hut.fi (Heikki Suonsivu)
Newsgroups: alt.security,alt.folklore.computers,comp.society.futures
Subject: Re: Feedback on Computer Crime
Message-ID: <1990Aug16.212327.7799@santra.uucp>
Date: 16 Aug 90 21:23:27 GMT
References: <9008091507.AA06792@stc06.CTD.ORNL.GOV> <9735+C9@xds13.ferranti.com> <3990@servax0.essex.ac.uk>
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Organization: Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
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In article <3990@servax0.essex.ac.uk> 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

True, these are the reasons why I avoid commercial software by all means,
as no commercial institution I have worked with has been able to provide
working producs, backup services (doesn't work and you must get it working
by monday? Sorry, can't help, but we will forward your report to
headquarters), guarantees (fix bugs? Haha, sure, $100/hr, beta in 6
months), fixing bugs in the code 5 years later (Yes, you can have the
current version for modest $200 upgrade fee. I don't know if it fixes this
problem, though?), teaching me how to use the product (Typically I end up
teaching them). In time you get them to supply you a copy of lint compiled
with MAXSYMBOLS more than 1024 (6 hours * $80/hr + $50 for expenses) you
have written one yourself. Best results I have got by calling states but
that becomes kinda expensive in long term. In Europe FSF style software
probably has better ground than in the U.S.

This might be a bit colored view, business software isn't really my field,
I'm quite developer-oriented. I admit it is somewhat different in the world
of Lotuses and ms-dos.

-
Heikki Suonsivu, @ 2:504/1, Kuutamokatu 5 A 7/02210 Espoo/FINLAND,
hsu@otax.tky.hut.fi (or @hutcs.hut.fi or @clinet.fi), mcsun!hutcs!hsu,
riippu SN, voice +358-0-8030017, Email preferable.