Computers: Feedback

IT'S ONLY a few years since most of the major PC software packages had a list price of pounds 200-300. In its early days, Lotus copy protected 123 too. Then, the explanation given for piracy was that software was over-priced and that if a more reasonable amount was asked people would buy instead of copying.

Nowadays, the list prices have roughly halved and most vendors have a 'competitive upgrade' arrangement so the real price is around pounds 100 for most packages. Despite this, copying persists.

The future seems to offer two options; the use of 'dongles' plugged into our PCs to permit each bit of software to run (quite entertaining when you've got five or six to fit in) or the monthly subscription system you describe.

What people do not seem to realise is that you only get what you pay for. The recent software price cuts have led to hotline support being virtually withdrawn unless you pay an arm and a leg. Development of future products is also costly and cannot be met unless someone is funding it. This means we are going to limit our future choice unless we are careful.

Colin Malsingh

100272.2452@compuserve. com

ANDREW BROWN perhaps sounds the death-knell for copyright too early in his examination of software and network piracy (27 May).

It is quite true, of course, that encryption technology will accomplish effectively what the law cannot do. But the law has never, even in the case of the printed page, stopped people copying. The law is there to provide sanctions when people transgress the boundaries.

Copyright is evolving to keep up with the technological race. UK copyright law, for example, has recognised electronic copying for nearly half a decade, 'Digitised music' will infringe copyright if the original score is copied without permission and anyone who authorises such copying is also going to be liable. Commercial information networks should not be surprised to find themselves on the wrong end of litigation if they fail to take account of copyright.

Peter Weinand

London WC2