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> when I buy a computer, I own the computer, not a limited license to use it. You own the hardware portion of the computer. You do not own the software portion
by otterley 23d ago
> when I buy a computer, I own the computer, not a limited license to use it.
You own the hardware portion of the computer. You do not own the software portion. Look, if you don't believe me (IAAL who studied this in detail), ask your own attorney. If they tell you different, give me their contact info. :-)
> And I absolutely can install other software on it if I please.
You might be able to do that, mechanically speaking, but the vendor is under no obligation to help you either install it or make it work (safely, or even at all).
- ndriscoll 23d agoYes, this is why I say we should abolish software copyright, and the vendor should have an obligation to provide their source code, and it should be illegal to use technological measures to try to stop you from making it work (e.g. firmware signature checks). Basically the Free Software definition should be made law. I wouldn't have had to say I support changing the law if it were already correct.