Comments for How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Comment from Nikki on 2009-09-10

2009-09-10T14:51:09Z

this article was so not helpful. Of course you can buy a program and keep using in after the trial period...but what people want to know is how do you use a program after the trial period for FREE..just because you cant afford the program doesnt mean you arent entitled to a free copy because if you font have the money for it, its not very easy to use the program...and downloading a program or software for free is NOT like stealing a car, unless those programs or softwares help you get from place to place...which they don't cuz they can't...so therefore they arent even similar!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Sean on 2009-05-21

2009-05-21T17:05:29Z

Where the these residual files stored? i.e. the files which remember whether your trial has ended.

Ohh and there is a huge moral difference between stealing software (pirate) and stealing someone's car.

You have to remember most of these programs are simply updates from previous programs with minor changes, and/or the removal of bugs. To go on and charge customers another $500.00+ is a joke considering the work involved.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from sirpaul1 on 2009-04-07

2009-04-07T23:57:21Z

I'll give you a perfect scenario why sometimes 30 days is not enough time, and it has nothing to do with being unethical, immoral or illegal.
If I have a need for software, and will have to pay for it, I want to be sure it meets my needs. Instead of downloading a new program every 30 days, I'll just download 5-6 at once. Then I'll start evaluating.
Since I have a life outside the computer, sometimes it's hard to evaluate them in 15-30 days. I'll check back on one I've started, to see if it has a certain feature, but my time is up.
I would much rather see the 'limit standard' based on number of uses rather than a time limit. Some software companies have seen the light and use this technique, but most do not.
I know! I know! If it's a program I really want to evaluate more, there are programs out there which may or may not help or come with unwanted 'surprises'. Or I can hack the registry, remove all traces, and download again. (Don't try this unless you know what you're doing - you might have to reformat your computer!)
A few companies have got my money from the last method, but it's a pain you know where. Long live shareware! But please consider the user!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Chris on 2009-03-24

2009-03-24T16:42:15Z

If you need to use the program for an extended period, buy it, or find a free/low cost version with similar capabilites. That said, the the trial periods exist for a reason - the company want to convince you to try and buy their product. There are instances where I have installed a program, but then not had time to Try it before it expired. An email or call to the company has usually resulted in an extended trial period.
I think that if you are truely evaluating before purchase, registy hacks or setting the date back are in an ethical gray area, that I feel is within the intent of the trial offer.
The degraded performance and garbage left behind by incomplete removal of trial software is also a practicle and ethical problem.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Linda on 2009-03-24

2009-03-24T14:24:11Z

Good answer, Leo! Any other answer and I would seriously consider canceling my subscription to the Newsletter.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Mike Hammond on 2009-03-22

2009-03-23T02:18:46Z

You will find that if you bide your time on a piece of software you like but don't like the price then wait as we all know in time the price does and will come down to what you can afford.
In any case there are thousands upon thousands of free programs that do just the right job you want it's a matter of taking time out and looking.
I use all free software from virus protectors to hard drive cleaners etc...JUST LOOK DON'T STEAL it does work out cheaper in the long run.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from emha irsani on 2009-03-21

2009-03-21T11:45:21Z

it sounds very simple, but not for me. do you have any sugestions how to continu instal deep freeze (my son use my computer to play game and instal new game), so i must prevent it using freeze (trial version)

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Steve Bukosky on 2009-03-20

2009-03-20T19:54:01Z

The times I've tried to use trial software has been for games where I've already bought it but needed to reload it due to a crash or whatever. I've tried to keep records but a few times had no proof that I paid for the download. In trying to extend the free trial, I became fascinated on how they track this even though I've manually cleaned the registry. But beyond trying to recover what I've paid for, I agree that if it's worth using it's worth paying for. Which makes me angry when programs that I've paid good money for, like Acronis Image, fails to work when you need it.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ken B on 2009-03-20

2009-03-20T14:53:19Z

Leo, you keep asking "how is (stealing software versus stealing a car) any different?"

I'll tell you what I've found from many people who do steal software... They feel the price should be based on the fact that they can buy a blank CD-R for under 50 cents. "Why does this program cost $700 when the CD only costs 50 cents" is a not-uncommon question asked by many people. (And this is made an even bigger issue by these people when you can download the trial version for free, and "all you need" to make it a full version is enter a license key. Check out Yahoo Answers to see how many people are asking "where can I get a key for X".)

And yet, you never hear people saying "why do I have to pay $20 for this book, the paper and ink only costs a few cents at most?"

- Leo
21-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from William Sithole on 2009-03-20

2009-03-20T11:01:50Z

You are right Leo, surely the use of trial software past its use date is not only unethical but illegal. So using it or contemplating using it beyond its use date is taking a dangerous risk. Is it worth it?

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Daniel Allen on 2009-03-19

2009-03-20T03:20:55Z

You are correct Leo. Most software has taken years to develop and the people who sell it deserve to be paid for their efforts. If this kind of behaviour was allowed to happen freely, what incentive would there be to create new software for us? Well, done Leo!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Thom on 2009-03-19

2009-03-19T12:44:13Z

Leo, I've been in the computer business for over 20 years, and usually can get by most schemes of trial software. But, I don't bother, because I found a long time ago that most of it is junk, not necessary, and a waste of time. I've been using mostly open source software, including the Oc (Ubuntu), and it is just as good, and most times better than their counterpart commercial programs.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from ed hyde on 2009-03-19

2009-03-19T11:58:37Z

I often use free trial software and can't afford most of it,but about using it past its use date wrong is still wrong and right is still right no mater if everyone else does it there is still personell integrity

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from LSD on 2009-03-18

2009-03-19T04:42:37Z

Bill Gates took the CP/M program from DRI founder Gary Kildall and Insert words into texts, often falsifying it there by altering it and sold it to IBM (and the world).
The Xerox Star did not experience any commercial success, but its ideas were reproduced and make an exact copy by Apple Computer (Jobs, Steven Paul & Wozniak, Stephen).
Have they served any time in jail ..yet??
Leo, your concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behaviour and character based on those principles issue doesn't have much to stand on.

I can't speak to the Xerox/Apple story, but the CP/M to MS-DOS scenario you outline is totally false. I know you won't believe me, but I don't want others to propagate that falsehood.

- Leo
19-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Sol on 2009-03-18

2009-03-19T03:34:55Z

Most software vendors are honest, hardworking individuals/organisations. Only a minority are crooks - as in real everyday life. Your answer is the best : buy the software if you want it. It IS the right thing to do. It generates business which is good.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Matthew on 2009-03-18

2009-03-18T19:47:36Z

In some isolated cases when I need a day or two of extra usage in the trial, I generally set back the Windows system date a couple of days to when the trial was still activated. This would work for many programs that have a trial period based on time, rather than number of uses.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Catmoves on 2009-03-18

2009-03-18T19:28:08Z

I agree wholeheartedly with Gerald Maenner in his appraisal. I've found so many (blushing) programs that I "meant to try out" after their artificial time trial expired, that I have to defrag after I remove the traces of their being on my 'puter.
But to hack someone's hard work so I can keep a couple of coffees in my pocket? No, thank you. I was taught to have morals and be as honest as possible.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Gerald Maenner on 2009-03-18

2009-03-18T11:48:29Z

To me it would make more sense to log the number of uses rather than the number of days. I find that when I install trial software I usually do it to address a specific issue. I don't run a "shakedown" on the stuff to make sure it does all that it's suppose to do. So I might install it on one day and not need to use it for a while. The next time I go to use it for some other purpose that time span may be longer than the trial period that was allocated. I don't consider 1 or 2 uses a legitimate trial.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Fred on 2009-03-18

2009-03-18T10:14:16Z

Surprising no-one yet used the best excuse "I wouldn't buy it anyway, so its the same to them if I crack it"
I admit to doing this: if you have the time and not the money..... maybe....... just for the challenge.....
BUT I later found out the biggest reason not to. By doing this, you are actually helping those rip-off companies gain more market share, and stopping Open Source demand. Micro$oft loves people to use cracked Office: because then everyine is used to it, and the people who buy software chose Office. If we all switch to Open Office, no-one will ever want to switch even if they have the money.
So support Open Source, and if you have to crack anything: keep quiet about it, and enjoy the major virus' you get from all the crack sites.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Chris on 2009-03-18

2009-03-18T08:57:22Z

Dudes, if you like the software enough that you feel you would willingly uninstall and redownload it to continue using it, you should for sure spend the 10-20 bucks to keep it... If not, find some other low key software that does the same thing (or close to it) that's freeware..

Imagine if someone highers you to do simple work for them that they were very capable of doing themselves. Now imagine that they try you out and tell you ok, they need you to do the work and you do it. Now imagine them telling you they want you to do more work for them, and you agree. Now, your finished with the work and you go to get paid. "You wanted money for that? Why should we pay you, we could have done it ourselves."

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from O. Orcan on 2009-03-17

2009-03-18T06:49:09Z

Recently, I downloaded and installed a trialware program and didn't like it. My computer slowed down, bootup time went up to 26 seconds from 18 seconds, memory problems came up, etc. Then I used its own uninstaller. Afterwards, some of the problems were still there. Then I used a freeware uninstaller (REVO)and realized that this expensive CAD software still had almost 2,000 registry entries left in my PC and installed some hidden info in my HD as well. How about that? It seems some trialware programs can be very harmful indeed.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Koen on 2009-03-17

2009-03-18T05:57:45Z

If you use a good regcleaner (like CCleaner, which is freeware by the way) it's not that difficult to clean up after a trial. Don't make it hard on yourself.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Mike on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T23:25:00Z

What burns me is there are free programs which programmers have donated plus the open source, However, Google freeware and spend an hour weeding out the 30 day wonders, This is ethical ?

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Hugh on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T22:27:13Z

Quite often you will find that its Open source software that the vendor has acquired,stuck a new front end on it in order to get your money...so as it happens I reckon that all the best stuff is free,so I never pay for software...the best things in life are free...and always will be.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from William Bankston on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T21:43:12Z

I agree that this individual should buy the program. If this individual is employed, does he/she work for free and not expect to get paid?

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Nick on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T21:38:38Z

I think "DONT KNOCK ON THE DOOR IF YOU DONT INTEND TO ANSWER IT" is a wonderful surreal statement. I love it. I think I'll adopt it as advice to give to idiots.

Re the original problem, while I agree with the sentiments vis-a-vis software theft, one idea might be to change the system date on the computer. Not a very GOOD idea, possibly, but an idea nevertheless.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Jerrix on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T19:35:40Z

What in the world does the statement "DONT KNOCK ON THE DOOR IF YOU DONT INTEND TO ANSWER IT" mean? Do you mean answer it yourself? It makes no sense at all! Rephrase it.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one confused by that comment. :-)

In fairness, this site gets a lot of traffic from around the globe, and this feels like perhaps a local idiom that doesn't quite survive translation into English. But I could be wrong.

- Leo
18-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ian Scales on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T19:31:59Z

Yes, I'm all for ethics but it doesn't seem to cut both ways!
I've bought software that doesn't come with a free trial period; you just get a non-functioning or hobbled download until you pay. Fine, but when you activate and use the software you find that, at best, it does a p***-poor job compared to the claims in their hype, or, at worst, it trashes your system and has to be carefully removed. If the latter requires the manual removal of all relevant registry keys, that can mean hours of painstaking work, for a non-IT professional user.
Now, if you are lucky, they respond to your tech questions and give you options to try before throwing-in the towel. But, as soon as you email their Admin department and ask for your 30-day refund, having spent ages purging their "garbagewear" from your system, guess what? No answer. And, no further answers to any emails to any of their addresses again - ever! After all, they've got your money. It may only be twenty or thirty bucks here and there but it's happened to me a few times so it's added-up.
I now avoid all purchase-and-download software as it seems to be the vendors who are the crooks, not the poor old users, as everyone seems to be quick to think... What was that about glass-houses and stones?

This is true for any industry, not just software. If you don't like how a company does business - don't do business with that company. That's a rule that's much older than even computers themselves.

- Leo
18-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Vincent on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T19:27:11Z

"If it's not worth it, then stop using it. Seems simple. "

I think you missed the point I was making. The threshold of it being "worth it" changes once payment is required.

To be clear, I am not refering to pirated versions of software. But just because a progam is "worth it" if all I need to do is download it and install it, doesnt mean that same program is still worth it if I then have to pay to continue using.

For example, why pay to use winzip, when 7-zip is just as good and free? I had a trial version of office, which I didnt pay to upgrade once it ran out as I found open office to do just as good a job on what I needed to be done.

Unless you need something done to a professional level, very few programs can justify the money they charge you to continue using it.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Alexander More on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:58:47Z

Some programs make it incredibly easy. I very occasionally use WinZip to package up files for e-mailing or uploading. The trial period has long since expired, but on the nag screen that pops up every time I start the program, in addition to the button that one clicks on to buy a licence there's another that says "continue using the trial version", and it just goes on working time and again. I am always in the middle of an operation when I want to use WinZip and I don't want to break off half way through, so I just click on that button. I really must pay for it, though. The spirit is willing, though the flesh (so far) has been weak.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Luis Soto-Diaz on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:17:59Z

If you are not afraid to dwell with the registry with caution. Then try the following procedure.
Every program leaves behind traces in the registry of its programs software. So you are not really deleting(remove)the expired program.
Go to START->RUN-> type: regedit,select(top left)EDIT-> FIND. Here you type the name of the program you previously deleted and hit ENTER. Delete every entry that you find(Only lines with the entry). Now you can re-download as new.
The moral of this answer is "Do not garbage my computer"

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from rocketman on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:13:08Z

If ya want to b a WHINE bag then be one. If ya want to be a Pirate then be one, BUT DONT KNOCK ON THE DOOR IF YOU DONT INTEND TO ANSWER IT. In other words why do you still have internet? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Stuart on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:07:37Z

The question itself indicates the decline of ethics in just about every facet of life today. While I appreciate the ease with which purchases can be made over the internet, I long for the face-to-face transactions of past generations. I'm no Luddite, but can you imagine trying to buy provisions at a market without paying for them?

As a teacher, I have experienced that feeling of "I wish I could afford this for my classroom." And several times I have written to the developer to explain my limited budget. In a surprising number of cases, I was offered a reduced rate. So it never hurts to ask -- the worst that can happen is the vendor says no. After all, the programmers have already finished their work, so any money is better than no money!

But it is so sad that someone even asked the question in this forum. Even sadder that a few respondents expressed disappointment that Leo didn't help circumvent the eminently fair try-then-buy system. Thank you, Leo, for standing up for the right way.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from BILLKENNEDY on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:03:52Z

I agree do not steal nuff said

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ray Rodden on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T18:00:19Z

Did the 60 day trial of microsoft office - hated the new interface.

Tried the free Open Office. more like i am used to working. now use this. saved a fortune on MS Office that i don't need.

Use AVG anti-virus free. liked it. Used it free for a long time (two years or more!) but decided this is worth it. bought the paid for version.

Have used 'bootleg' copies of other programs but, if i like it, then buy the program when the next upgrade comes along.

If you ant new versions then it has to be funded.
Pay them for their work!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Anthony McGuire on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T17:47:27Z

Aren't we experiencing a finanancial crisis? Aren't enough firms going under because of this. If people keep on finding new ways of pirating copies of software more and more firms are going to end up the same way because they don't have enoug income to cover the cost of wages. People are relying on their wage packets to keep up their mortgage payments. Don't be the cause of people losing their homes because you want to be a 'pirate'1 If you haven't got the money to buy legal programmes then sell your PC.
Tony
Denmark

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Jim Fischer on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T17:34:02Z

I have repeadedly tried to puchase Windows Live One Care with obtaining it. I do think its gone also. Comments?::::::::::::::::::::

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Sandra on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T17:10:31Z

If you truly need more time to make an informed decision, it doesn't hurt to contact the company and ask for more time. We have done that many times and most of the time the company will accommodate you. (Also, if you are a student or teacher and need the software for school use, several companies such as Adobe and Microsoft offer education discounts.)

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from joselle merritt on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T17:02:35Z

I knew I loved your newsletters and now my opinion has gone up even more! Thank you for making the point that being ethical is the way to go. I don't want to work for free and neither do the people that write programs. Is it inconvenient - yes. Do use old programs sometimes because either I can't afford new ones or the old ones still work - yes. Do I want them for free - yes. But it's still not ok to steal them. Tweaking a system is one thing - outrights stealing is another. If you, the user, are too cheap to pay for a program - write one for yourself and send it out free. Let me know what you write, it may only be worth what I pay (nothing).

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from ramaraobobby on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:50:29Z

I was certainly not expecting this when I eagerly clicked on this topic to read more from the newsletter coz its the default option the owner opt us to do. So I felt there is no point in saying the same thing by you as a tech guru. Thought it might be the legitimate way, your post would have been even better if you tried to explain a bit more about registry tweaking or reverse engineering you were talking about.
A person who has reinstalled the program to use it, itself means he is not willing/can't afford to buy the sftw. So What's your point in suggesting to him to buy the sftw. Even the post title didn't suit to what you have said here coz buying the program is the default option that any one is left with to keep using that program past its free trial period. You may say that "I buy the program to keep it running" coz you can afford it. If its the case with all others then why these cracks/serials etc., are made and used. There would be no issue at all. So, this article of yours didn't impress me much. Its doesn't mean that I don't support the default legitimate way,I do but I usually come here not to know the same old thing from you but to know some tips n tricks to crack or tweak the software so that I can make it run past the trail period. That's what a real tech. guy is all about. Don't offend by this comment of mine but this is what I felt after reading this post of yours. I genuinely appreciate you for good posts and point your mistake for posts like this. That's what a real follower is all about. Isn't it??

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Mike Ronga on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:32:45Z

DUH...... have ya ever tried to "google" that question? The fact is ya get what ya pay for and thats just they way it is!Instant Karma is gonna get ya.Im almost certain that for most software there is usually an open source program that will work.Stealing is not the answer!

Miklo

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Richard H on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:25:15Z

I have been a user of trial software many times & I say, I personally agree with leo. If it's good enough to want it that bad, Then just buy it.
PS. Although I know how to reconfigure my registry, "I DO NOT" advocate doing so.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Andrew Johnson on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:17:42Z

It does not take a whole lot of inventiveness to fool a 30 day trial.

That being said, I whole-heartedly believe in paying for what you use. However, I never have enough time to learn a program in 30 days (not to the level I like). I would like to see many programs I use in my professional life available for personal 'educational' use.

But, this is not the way of the world. So, open source everything!!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ed C on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:07:39Z

Let's just hope that this guy will try to edit his registry....without making a backup copy!!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from George Larson on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:02:05Z

Right.. I, as a developer, completely agree with the ethical standpoint. That said, I have cheated trial periods in the past when I was wanting to test software for which I did not have a frequent need and the trial was limited by time. Ultimately, the result was the same. I either paid for it or didn't use it.

In personal practice, I'll go quite out of my way to find (and support) FOSS solutions.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Prof. Brian Bevan on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T16:01:51Z

I do agree with your statement!
But! there should be better offers on the cost of software. before my retirement I spent a lot of money of my own and various companies to whom I was a consultant. Now as a pensioner I can no longer run some of that software because of their cost. Surely companies like MS Adobe HP etc should have the decency to allow much cheaper purchases of their software.

While I absolutely sympathize with your plight, I don't understand the argument. It boils down to "I can't afford ____ so the manifacturer should make it cheaper." Aside from the discounts that are already commonly available, you wouldn't expect that at a book store, a clothing store, or when buying a house or a car.

"I'm sorry, this Toyota Prius is too expensive, you should sell it at half that price because I can't afford it" doesn't make sense ... why is software any different?

- Leo
18-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Daniel O on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T15:47:21Z

I'm pretty sure that people who want to know how to continue using software for free, even after the trial period expires, would throw a fit if their employer asked them to work without pay.

And yet they'll claim on reading this that "It's Not The Same Thing!" - when of course, it is.

- Leo
18-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ken B on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T15:34:17Z

"[J]ust because a software may be decent enough to keep using if it was free, doesnt always mean its good enough to be worth paying for it when the time comes."

Translation: You don't think it's worth the price they're asking.

Solution: Find a legal copy at a discounted price that you this is "worth it", or use something else.

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Vincent on 2009-03-16

2009-03-16T22:43:43Z

"If you've decided that you want to keep using it then the right thing to do is to spend the money and buy it."

I dont know. I'm not advocating trying to crack a piece of software to keep using it, but just because a software may be decent enough to keep using if it was free, doesnt always mean its good enough to be worth paying for it when the time comes.

If it's not worth it, then stop using it. Seems simple.

- Leo
17-Mar-2009

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from AdeN on 2009-03-16

2009-03-16T20:41:36Z

Damn right.
Also worth noting that cracks and key generators put you at risk of viruses and spyware.
Great advise!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Todd Helmkamp on 2009-03-16

2009-03-16T18:53:26Z

That's one of the reasons you're the first place I check for answers, Leo. Keep up the integrity!

]]>

A comment on: How do I keep using a program past its free trial period?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.