[antiRepublicrat]

Are you guys really so happy that Microsoft reserves the right to inspect every file on your system

OS X 10.4 EULA:

4. Consent to Use of Data. You agree that Apple and its subsidiaries may collect and use technical and related information, including but not limited to technical information about your computer, system and application software, and peripherals, that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support and other services to you (if any) related to the Apple Software. Apple may use this information, as long as it is in a form that does not personally identify you, to improve our products or to provide services or technologies to you.

All of the major proprietary EULAs have something I don't like. Apple of course also has the famous "you can only run it on a Mac" clause.

[George W. Bush]

OS X 10.4 EULA:

Your quote is relevant and I agree with your comments. However, Windows XP and Vista force you to prove you're not a crook and they may institute action against you if you refuse to submit to their inspection. They can also cut you off from Vista if you refuse to connect to them for inspection and "updates".

With Apple, automatic software updates are standard. But it's very easy to turn it off. Since I don't let MS look at my hard drive for updates (use Firefox and windowsupdate.62nds.com instead), I don't let Apple do it either. The difference is that Apple is fine with me just downloading my updates manually, generally after they've been in the field for a week, without pretending I'm a crook if I grab any file they offer.

It's a big difference in how they treat you, the customer. If you're okay with buying stuff from a company that treats you like a thief, then Vista is for you. Some of the rest of us object to this. I just don't get why anyone is willing to be treated this way.

If you say that Apple will be forced to do this as well, I don't think so. First off, Apple's advantage is that it is a closed platform. So except for a few hackers, Apple doesn't have to worry about anyone stealing the software because 99% of the people who download it are owners of Macs. And Mac users generally don't go in for being thieves though there is plenty of piracy available if you like that stuff. Apple knows that anyone technically adept enough to run their OS and software on generic PC hardware is also smart enough to realize that the time they spend making it run and keeping it running is far far more than using that same time just doing tech work oddjobs for friends/families/neighbors and simply buying a Mac instead. And once people start using Mac, they tend to want to keep using it. The lure is surprisingly strong.

As we've always said about CD and DVD piracy: give people something they want and they'll pay for it gladly in droves and don't worry about a few losers stealing your software in their mom's basement. And don't let pursuing those few losers make you turn on your entire customer base. Hey, it's not rocket science.

How do you want to be treated after you've spent so much money/time on their products?

[Golden Eagle]

Apple of course also has the famous "you can only run it on a Mac" clause.

No more famous than your endless defenses of the Russian hackers who cracked OSX to run on Dells though, including trotting out the "180 day rule for criminal prosecution" on their behalf. LOL, just thinking about that always cracks me up.