rec.autos.simulators

I have noticed recently that a rash of sites are distributing files in self
extracting programs that are not registered and are still shareware.  It is
illegal to distribute files using these programs until you register them
and it even tells you when you start the program.  I don't know why this is
still happening when you can purchase these programs for under $50 over the
internet.  This is just my opinion but it could lead to major trouble for
the person or persons distributing these files. If you can't afford the
money then just zip the files and include instructions on how to put the
file where it belongs.

Bill

I don't know what programs you are talking about, but  Pkzip and
Winzip are also shareware (not freeware). At least they were the last
time I bothered to read the copyright notes.

Guess we all have to put our programs uncompressed on the net from now
on!

/Martin

There's nothing wrong with distributing ZIP files, regardless of how
they were created.  But unlike normal ZIP files, every time you send a
self-extracting ZIP file to others you are also distributing parts of
the copyrighted executable unzip software.  Most if not all of the
programs used to create them are shareware, and state that the archives
are not to be distributed without registering the program first.
Winzip is quite adamant about this as evident in their documentation:
"UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU LICENSED TO DISTRIBUTE SELF-EXTRACTING
ZIP FILES CREATED BY THE SHAREWARE EVALUATION VERSION OF WINZIP
SELF-EXTRACTOR PERSONAL EDITION."  There are quite a few sites
illegally distributing these unregistered archives, with the most
widely abused program being EasyZip Self-Extractor Pro.  

--

The IWCCCARS Project: Q & A Representative
http://www.theuspits.com/iwcccars/qanda.html
http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~ebusch/

I noticed when I took over IWCCCARS that some of the files on the IWCCCARS
site were archived with an unregistered version of EZSFXPRO, while some
were done with a registered version. I have since registered and paid for a
copy out of my own pocket so that we could have legal archives. As I find
the time, I plan to go back and re-archive the files.

C'mon folks, we need to support those shareware authors who put out
terrific tools in the hope that people will be honest. Register that copy
of WinZip or Paintshop Pro  you've been using for the last 6 months!!!

Dave Sparks
IWCCCARS Project: http://www.theuspits.com/iwcccars/index.html
Late Night League: http://www.sequoia-dev.com/Hawaii/latenite.html
Hawaii Handle: davids

Since it is not shareware, I guess that you can freely distribute ZIP
files made
with it.

I use Norton's File Manager to make all my ZIPs and Self-EXEs.  Do you know
if there are any restrictions as to the distrubition of these files?  A
page number in the manual would sufice.

Thanks,

Robert