Trial Software

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Not sure if this is the correct forum.

Several months ago, I downloaded a free 30 day trial version of a program with its advanced features to my desktop. Installed and it worked perfectly.

After it expired there was the option to purchase or download the free version of their program without the advanced features. Just out of curiosity I did not uninstall but tried to reinstall from file saved to my desktop and I still was told to purchase or use free version.

By chance I located under c:programs, the folder for this program and found an uninstall exe and another program exe. I ran the uninstall exe, then the program exe.

The result is the full version with advanced features. Thirty days later it expired so now I just keep repeating the uninstall/install from the program folder and it works just fine.

Is this a glitch? Or does this happen with other trial versions? Am I risking anything by doing this

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> Is this a glitch?

It’s undoubtedly not what the publisher of the application intended. Software companies use various methods for managing trial versions, and this one apparently isn’t very efficient. I don’t think you run any risk.

You might argue that if they use such a slipshod method, it’s their own fault if people keep on uninstalling/reinstalling the trial version. On the other hand, I feel that a software company spends time and effort to develop software, and hence deserves to be paid for it. If you like and need the full-featured software, I’d buy it; otherwise, I’d uninstall it and get the free version. Just my .

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(Edited by Hetty on 04-Oct-06 15:24. Forgot to add)

Dear Hans

True about paying for full versions of software that is why I didn’t give the name for the software. However, in this particular instance, I don’t need the advanced features so I would end up using the free version anyway for this particular program.

Regards

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The cynic in me thinks that if they cannot protect their intellectual property and potential revenue stream any better, then I would wonder about how reliable the software itself actually is.

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THere are ways to reuse most any trial software, but the inconvenience of getting around the restrictions, not to mention the legal and ethical issues, makes such mehods not practical for most software.

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You are very right about the moral issue and I try to be honest. You wouldn’t believe how many people get stroppy when I say they cannot have copies of any of my software! (Paid for in full!)

In this particular instance is was more chance that I discovered I could do it.

AND I am all for making a donation to those developers who put free stuff out there for us to use.

Regards

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