File-sharing pirates attempt new software standard

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That description doesn't always fly...: 3) Software doesn't actually do anything! Software doesn't do anything anymore than words on a page. Words on a page do nothing. When a human reads the words, then that human reacts to what was read. The words themselves are incapable of action. As is also the case with software. The patterns created by developers are incapable of action. It's the processor(s) in a computer which, upon reading these patterns, reacts and performs some useful task.

Two things.

1.) You're not considering the issue from all angles. Per definitions 1 and 2, a video DVD more or less fits your description. It performs a service - it entertains the viewer. It's nothing more than a pattern that, when decoded using the appropriate DVD reading software, it becomes a series of moving pictures and sounds.

2.) Your definition #3, it's far too broad. A standard, physical hard copy book likewise fits the description. Think about it. It's incapable of action by itself. It's nothing more than words on pages. It's nothing more than patterns of ink on paper. And yet, you don't see rampant piracy of books. It's just as tangible as a CD or DVD - and yet, the book doesn't get pirated. Why? Because it's far more difficult and expensive to break the binding on said book and photocopy or otherwise reproduce the individual pages. CDs and DVDs, on the other hand, are not difficult to reproduce at all. In fact it's dirt cheap to do so.; Posted by: Wolfie2K3 Posted on: 11/08/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use