on 2/15/06 1:08 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > You have all been helpful in the past. I hope someone can help me now. The > short story is that I bought a Mac with software installed on it. I don't buy > illegal or pirated software. The ad clearly indicated the software was legal. > Being the nice guy I am, she was able to drag things out via e-mail till it > was too late to do anything through either eBay or PayPal or my credit card.
Forget eBay. My experience with them is that they don't give a toss about buyers (feel free to contradict me here, anyone). Have you tried filing a claim with PayPal (yes, I do know they're owned by ePay)? I believe the limit to do so is 45 days. Likewise, if you haven't talked to them already, I would have a word with the CC company, if only to be _absolutely sure_ that nothing can be done. CC companies can do some pretty amazing things. @_@ I know you said that the seller "indicated" that the software was legal. Was this an *explicit* claim, or did you simply "assume" that it was so? The reason I ask is that if the seller _explicitly_ claimed the software was legit, you may be able to drop her an email. An email along the lines of "hey, if I can't send the machine back and get a refund, I will contact your local police department's Computer Crime Division (assuming they have one) and let them know you're selling pirated software, Please do not make me do this." Admittedly, the above ploy is more bluff than anything. However, the seller may be the type that is anxious to avoid trouble. [shrugs] > So, now I'm faced with either removing the software (I haven't done this yet > because 1- I don't know how to do this in OSX and am scared I'll screw up it > all up and 2- I hope to just get the software anyway, and 3-I don't use any of > it yet cuz I have no manuals) or buying replacement software. If you don't have the original media for the software, then it's my understanding that what you have is an illegal installation. Reasons 2 and 3 are attempted rationalizations as to why that software is still on your drive (I'm not trying to be harsh, but let's face facts, please). You're in possession of software you cannot show legitimate ownership of. Whether or not you're currently using it or "plan to" buy legitimate copies doesn't really mean anything. As far as reason #1 is concerned, if you need hand-holding to perform the nuke and pave, just ask the list. I'm sure everyone would be more than happy to walk you through it, especially as doing so might help keep you out of trouble. [And, yes, I do know that his dumping the naughty software would not really be a "nuke and pave," but it's a phrase I need little excuse to employ, even inaccurately, because it sounds cool. So there.] The idea here is that if you don't have the original media, it could theoretically be installed on god-knows-how-many machines because, well, no one knows just where the original media is. Also, the splash screen for the software may say who the software is licensed to. If that name doesn't match your own, guess what? I can only hope you are not using/planning to use this software in a business setting of some kind. If you get audited, the trouble you'll find yourself in will quickly negate any possible savings. It's just not worth it. > I've seen Student/Teacher versions, upgrade versions, older (supposedly good) > versions with upgrade versions in the same box, etc. I now have a number of > questions concerning what is my best way to go from here. Fully legal copies of software come up for sale all the time on the Swap List at knockdown prices. However, it would help us a great deal if we actually knew what the software you're looking for *was.* Without specific program titles, it's hard to advise someone as to whether or not a particular application or version of an application will meet their needs. The corollary to this is that we don't know what it is you're trying to accomplish with the software in the first place; please do tell us. Perhaps what you have loaded on your HD won't work effectively for what you need it to do anyway. ]shrugs] > Oh, and if anyone can tell me how to list the three items on the SwapList that >I may need to buy, I'd appreciate that as well. Go here: http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/swap.html Read the instructions carefully and off you go. Best, James Fraser -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:g-list@mail.maclaunch.com> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
