Freeware Plagiarism?

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PDFrank

Are there known instances in which "freeware" used code stolen from
commercially-available programs?
 
PDFrank said:
Are there known instances in which "freeware" used code stolen from
commercially-available programs?
Click to expand...

More than likely it's the other way around.

Art2U
 
Art2U said:
PDFrank wrote:




More than likely it's the other way around.

Art2U
Click to expand...
Yes.
I recall that Spybot Search and Destroy has been ripped off by people
who've simply resold it under their name.

There are curious instances in which I wouldn't mind seeing the
_architecture_ of abandonware being re-used. Examples that spring to my
mind are three wonderful programs of the past:
- PC-Write: a word processor brilliantly crafted to ease the work of
writers (and even coders, and handicapped folks). In fact, it's the
perfect model for notepad software.
- XyWrite: a reasonably-priced publication package that should have
provided robust competition for a couple of today's unaffordable Adobe
products. Again, a very fast handler, much more powerful than PC-Write.
Using Word, Word Perfect, and even Open Office, are agonies of
sluggishness by comparison.
- ECCO: a beloved Personal Information Manager that allows infinite
outline levels throughout, such as in its appointment calendar and in
its phonebook.

In the first two cases, the programs never made the transition from DOS
into Windows for various financial and logistical reasons.
ECCO, amazingly, was purchased by Netmanage, who just sat on it, ceasing
development altogether. They abandoned their own purchase, despite the
product being the highest-reviewed PIM of all time, and having a
devoted, loyal user base.

If you're interested, you can undoubtedly find the first two programs on
abandonware sites. They'll run on Windows 9x in DOS mode, although
XyWrite needs studied customization to fly for you. Saved paragraphs are
unwrapped, although wrapped saves are easy to set up. PC-Write is
wonderful for non-book projects; saved paragraphs are wrapped, easily
reformatted instantly in the program. You need to keep it high up in the
directory tree because it doesn't allow long strings in file callups.
ECCO can be downloaded free directly from the Netmanage web site; I've
forgotten how to access it. I use this program every day under Windows
Me, and it even interfaces nicely with my Palm-softwared Handspring
palmtop. I believe that it works fine under XP.

Richard
 
- ECCO: a beloved Personal Information Manager that allows infinite
outline levels throughout, such as in its appointment calendar and in
its phonebook.
Click to expand...
ECCO, amazingly, was purchased by Netmanage, who just sat on it,
ceasing development altogether. They abandoned their own purchase,
despite the product being the highest-reviewed PIM of all time, and
having a devoted, loyal user base.
Click to expand...
ECCO can be downloaded free directly from the Netmanage web
site; I've forgotten how to access it. I use this program every day
under Windows Me, and it even interfaces nicely with my Palm-softwared
Handspring palmtop. I believe that it works fine under XP.

Richard
Click to expand...

Maybe I need to re-evaluate ECCO. I tried it and did not like it at all
the first time. I seem to recall not having much luck with my Palm Treo
90 (now I have a T|E) to synch. I think I will try it on my laptop and
see what happens.

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He had trouble sleeping at night, wondering if there was a dog.
Remove yourhat to reply ... but it may take a while.
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PDFrank said:
Are there known instances in which "freeware" used code stolen from
commercially-available programs?
Click to expand...

Sure - there's even a name for it. . .

http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/acf/WareGlossary.php

"Warez: Software that is stolen, and/or enabled, by illegal means."

Susan
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Pricelessware: http://www.pricelessware.org (not maintained)
 
Well, sorta related: another one is all those $ versions of what's
really freeware P2P software that the developers are hoping people will
be stoopid enough to buy. Maybe not exctly "stolen" code, but a similar
principle. All appear to be thinly veiled clones of freeware products.
Not to mention those same rip-off payware P2P sites saying that by
buying their $oftware, you'll be able to "legally download" stuff. Now,
THAT's a total lie, and I hope someday soon they get their ASSEZ sued
off.
 
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