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From: jvc@mirror.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Stopping Trojans
Message-ID: <206900022@mirror>
Date: Tue, 21-Apr-87 11:53:00 EST
Article-I.D.: mirror.206900022
Posted: Tue Apr 21 11:53:00 1987
Date-Received: Wed, 22-Apr-87 05:30:26 EST
References: <537@faline.bellcore.com>
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Nf-ID: #R:faline.bellcore.com:-53700:mirror:206900022:000:1737
Nf-From: mirror.UUCP!jvc    Apr 21 11:53:00 1987


>I don't understand the problem.  I don't run any software that I don't
>have either the sources to or someone I can sue.  (The latter is
>software I have payed for.)
>Bob Larson
 
This would indicate that you don't use any Shareware (typical $25-$50
contribution to the author) or you pay the extra ~ $300 for the sources (if
they're offered at all).  This means you miss out on a lot or you're rich.

Be aware that even though you have the sources, there is no guarantee that
the executables were generated from those sources or that the executables
weren't modified (unless you compiled them yourself).

Also note that you can't sue (I mean have a chance at winning a suit since 
anyone can sue anyone) a Shareware author if you've received that Shareware
through normal distribution channels (ie, not mailed directly to you from
the author but obtained through BBSs or passed on to you from someone not
associated with the author, etc) even if you made a contribution, since
anyone could have modified the executables and/or sources.  If you decide to
sue anyway, you'll be out a lot of money when you lose since the plantiff
pays the defendant's court costs if the plantiff loses.

Although I wouldn't expect commercial companies to create trojans, if the
software does cause damage,  be aware that if you buy software through
commercial channels, one of the provisions in your license agreement frees
the author/company from any damages resulting from the use of the software.
You would have to prove they intentionally wrote code to cause malicious
damage inorder to have a chance of winning a suit.

-----
Just curious:
Do you actually not use *any* software that is not sold commercially or
that you don't have the sources for?