Okay done some digging and ask LOADS of question to allsort's of peeps in
the industry and have come up with the following FACT about "The UK
Copyright (Computer Programs) Regulations 1992" , and have extacted the
following
>Back up Copies (see section 50A)
>Lawful users can make back up copies even if this is not expressly
permitted in the terms of the agreement. >But the copyright owner(s) may
remove this right by the terms of the contract if they provide alternative
>facilities in case of a disaster.
As far as MOST publishers of today are concerned , they will replace
software if media is found defective. But if damage though neglect (My point
all along :) ) they will not replace. So if a Publisher offers a replacement
free (Except for P&P) of Degraded Media. You are NOT entitled to BACKUP
their software.
I would like to admit my over protective/relsilant nature to the following
LAW , and do agree that you MAY correct and Errors in Software , but you MAY
NOT modify a program that does perform as intended :
>Correction of Errors (see section 50C)
>Unless it is expressly forbidden in the contract lawful users are permitted
to adapt a program to correct an >error. However this could invalidate the
maintenance or support agreement so this right must be used with >care.
Please not that the "The UK Copyright (Computer Programs) Regulations" was
ammend in 1998 , for what reason i Am still looking into but will have the
reason soon.
My point all along is that MOST peeps only make a BACKUP of software for NON
LEGAL reasons ,
and if
a) Nobody Reverse engineered / Modifyed Copyright Material
b) Nobody made BACKUPS of Copyright Material
c) Nobody made/modified Hardware to use BACKUP's
d) Everyone agreed that if the creation of any hardware/software that
would by past potection or enable the BACKUP of otherwise UNBACKUPABLE
software was ILLEGAL
There would be LESS PIRACY , but then again it could all be a dream.
Just my point (of which i am entitled to by LAW), just as Andrew Collier ,
Andrew Gallagher & Robert Brady will for sure have another flaming seasion
with this, I don't care my view are my own and i will voice them as i see
fit (As long as I don't intentionally Offend anyone)
Chris
