if you reformat your hard drive, free program won't work. right?

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if you reformat your hard drive, free program won't work. right?

(18 posts) (11 voices)

Started 16 years ago by raindew01
Latest reply from Addugeek

raindew01
Member

I *love* your idea of free software giveaways, one a day. It's a great way to promote software that people might not otherwise know about. I thought it was so exciting, and I was looking forward to visiting the site each day.

And then I realized how many times I've had to reformat my computer over the years, and how many times I've lost a hard drive completely--which, if I understand this all correctly, would make the free software I downloaded, activated, and installed on the same day (as per instructions) null and void, no longer working and no longer free. Which, to me, negates the whole free aspect, and takes away the usefulness of the site (and the fun).

My suggestion and wishlist for Giveaway of the Day would be:
-keep the software so that you have to download, activate it, and install it on the day it's given away to have a free working copy BUT allow free registration with your name, so that, if you ever uninstall the program and later want it again, or have to reformat your harddrive (as i've had to because of hackers or viruses) OR had a hard drive fail (as i have many times) THEN you'll still be able to keep, use, and enjoy your free software--and thus be far more likely to come back here every day to see what else is offered, AND tell all your friends about it. Now that would be exciting for me.

Posted 16 years ago #
DaletonaDave
Member

It would be great if it were like that, but I don't see it happening. If they were to to that, it really wouldn't be commercial software anymore. It would then be considered freeware. That would not be good for the software developer. They sure wouldn't make any money that way. Then why would they want to develop anymore? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to start an argument with anyone, just explaining the economics of it.

Posted 16 years ago #
headman
Member

No argument here, DaletonaDave. This subject is constantly coming up. The developers, rightfully so, are in the business of making money. With virtually all of the giveaways being repeats lately, it's become obvious that not too many people are buying this stuff. Every day the comments section has posts from folks who are glad to have a second chance to get something free because they lost it the first time. Paying for it doesn't seem to cross their minds.
I'll admit I haven't bought many of the programs offered here, but the few I buy are the ones I don't want to lose in the first place. I've found that almost every day, with almost no exceptions, there are several freeware alternatives suggested that blow the GOTD out of the water. The people who don't want to pay for software should check these out. The people who prefer the GOTD and want to keep it forever should buy it. And everybody should stop expecting freeware from people who are trying to make a buck.

Posted 16 years ago #
kirby145
Member

About 99% of the people here I estimate do not buy any of the software.

However that is not saying that it does not provide a great advertising opportunity to publishers.

A lot of giveaways have higher quality freeware alternatives, and don't really deserve to be sold for money when there are hard working people giving making the same stuff for free. And when these softwares are posted on GAOTD it's just like they are free software, that's the only reason people want it. This is the case sometimes, if you understand what I'm trying to say.

Posted 16 years ago #
garyvdh
Member

Just make sure you back up as much as you can. Make sure you save any activation keys (use regedit to look for the Activation keys). Also sometimes, after you have installed the games, you can just back up the game folder as well. It doesn't work with all the software, but most of it. It's a few extra steps on the day of download, but you usually get to keep the software you want.

Posted 16 years ago #
etude57
Member

Usually I buy every month a magazine that has a DVD included. This DVD contains older versions of commecial software, for example Net Objects Fusion MX, Firewalls etc, (but still working with the latest versions of Windows. The software can be installed after registering on the website of the magazine, and you receive a registration key by email. Maybe this could also be an alternative for the activation issues and the limitations of the 1-time installation of the software. Another option is to use for example a program like Regchange, before installing the software. Regchange creates a log of the changes that the new installed software makes to the registry and what settings are added to the register and what files are installed. Mostly the installed software creates a log file, with the file locations and registry keys etc. You can export these register values and the files installed by the program and zip them. All you have to do is to zip the exported registry-keys and installed software, and with re-installation of Windows, you can restore the program files to their original installed location and use regedit to merge the saved registry-keys to your registry. Another option would be Norton's AI builder. That creates an install package of installed software. (Start AI before running Activate and Setup), and save the package.).
I think like the situation is now, it only encourages people to use p2p software to download the software once they like it, but can't use it anymore after a System Restore or crash or reformat.

With kind regards,
Etude57

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

I think like the situation is now, it only encourages people to use p2p software to download the software once they like it, but can't use it anymore after a System Restore or crash or reformat.

Of course, actually purchasing the software is not an option worth considering?

Should GOTD update each giveaway for every new version of a program released, because "these people" might want to steal the latest version if GOTD doesn't "keep up"?

If all software developers decided to stop trying to earn a living by selling their software and just decided to give licenses away for free - "these people" would have no reason to resort to software piracy and p2p would completely disappear, right?

It stands to reason that "these people" probably don't even bother with sites like GOTD anyway. But still if you think the idea is worthwhile - it would certainly make "these people" have a clearer conscience about never supporting the creators of their "free software".

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

p2p = Peer to Peer right???

I read etude57's post and am trying to figure out where piracy came from in your post BuBBy. He mentions some software that will record registry changes on installation and activation but he doesn't say anything about posting it. I took his meaning as for the individual.

He does use p2p later in his post but that could mean many different things including IMing. GOTD has taken steps to prevent any contact from member to member unless it is done here in the forum so I don't think thats an issue either. I don't believe anyone here in this forum condones software piracy.

I agree that any software that we intend to use should be purchased because I for one want the updates and future upgraded versions but after all this site advertises about full versions (licensed to) and for free so who's that going to draw? People wanting free software!!!!!!!!!!!!! It shouldn't suprise any of us that they'd want to reinstall what they got for free if there PC crashed.

Just take the stand like you have in the past and tell them it was a one shot thing on the day it was offered and to wait and it probably will be offered again.

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

I read etude57's post and am trying to figure out where piracy came from in your post BuBBy.

The comment made by etude57 was suggesting "if users are unable to reinstall or reactivate giveaway software on demand, then they would resort to obtaining the equivalent unrestricted (but pirated copies) via avenues such as p2p file trading".

(People do not generally download "trial" or "evaluation" copies via P2P software, when these are available from the developers website, or shareware sites)

I was objecting to the conclusion that "it would be a better solution if these restrictions were not in place on the setup & activation of giveaways, so users were not 'encouraged' to resort to such practices".

I felt that etude57 was suggesting that GOTD's current practices 'encouraged' users to obtain pirated software if they cannot reinstall after they delete or wipe the giveaway software from their PC.

Posted 16 years ago #
jr46
Member

BuBBy's right, in my opinion.

Kinda like Microsoft not giving the keys to older versions of Office encourages people to get the latest version some illegal way. If Microsoft would only give keys away for free, there'd be no problems and people wouldn't have to sneak around the registry to get them. If GAOTD would only give us permanent keys like you get when you actually buy the software, there would be no problems. Right!? I imagine GAOTD has a hard enough time trying to persuade these businesses to give away even these limited, short-term keys, much less full permanent ones.

I think we ought to be happy we're able to get as much as we're getting for free.

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

Spot on.

Some people will always "feel ripped" off, when they are given $10 for free, and the realise later they would've preferred $20, or when then can install the software only once instead of fifty times.

People know what the deal is before they download. All of the "standard" questions have been answered several times before.

Being able to upgrade to the latest version and install anytime is one of the benefits of registering software. If GOTD required developers to give away the "premium benefits" of registering software - what incentive remains for any users to register/pay for their software?

For these users, I recommend freeware and open source software. There are always quality free alternatives if people are unwilling or unable to support commercial software developers.

It has all been said before....

over and over. ;)

Posted 16 years ago #
etude57
Member

Bubby, with all respect, then don't call it GiveAway of the day, but Trial of the day or something like that. If someone gives me something, then I expect to keep it, and get ownership or permission to use...But what happens here is in fact crippleware..You can install it once, after that your "gift" is gone...So, in my opinion, the word Giveaway is misplaced in this context.

With kind regards, etude57

Posted 16 years ago #
etude57
Member

Bubby, to make my statement clear:
I am AGAINST any form of piracy, or illegal use of software or other means...Sure, every one makes a photocopy from a document or page from a book, or even a whole book, and sure people make copies of cd's and dvd's etc. But I am again very against piracy. I use only legal software, that I bought, even secondhand, and when there is something that I can't afford, I just try to find a freeware alternative, or in the magazine DVD that I mentioned before (PC-Pro). I don't use or encourage people to exchange software through p2p or other means..I don't and won't use P2P also..All I mentioned was, that if you find a piece of software that you download from here, and want to keep, there are several ways to to that legally, without breaking the policy of this site or the creators of the software. If other people will use my description as a way to distribute the software illegal then it is THEIR choice..Not mine...
I hope that I made my statement clear...I am against piracy, or illegal use of software, movies or otherwise...

With kind regards, etude57

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

As a matter of fact jr46,,,,,,,MS has given away millions of free keys!!!!!!! ROTFLMAO

etude57 I understood your statement as that you came to the conclusion that if you download software from this site and it is indeed licensed,,,then its yours. I also understood your "poorly choosen" statement about the p2p thing but in reality people who does that kind of thing don't come here to try it out then go seek it if they like it and lose it,,,,,,,,,they download it from there own private source.

Its also funny about copying copyrighted things or how many times you can install software. We all do it and GOTD condones it also! Oh I can't wait to read the following posts after mine. LOL I shouldn't mention where I'm coming from but to keep the fire down I guess I better. No movie company gives anyone the right to copy DVD's that we rent or buy. DVD Ripping and writing software has been offered here. In all fairness if we want a copy of a DVD we should buy it just like anything else but..............we don't. Sorry for being blunt but lets look at apples as apples and oranges as oranges. LOL

Respectfully and watchfully,
Archangel

hehehehe

Posted 16 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

@etude57, I think you missed my point, but obviously from your reply the comment you originally made was not what you intended.

The terms of the giveaway at any rate, are quite clear.

However you view it - the gift or giveaway is one or more free installs of a program over a 24 hour period.

The software functions as a registered copy in the sense it will not automatically expire after a few days (like a trial) and be fully functional (no crippled functions).

The software cannot be reinstalled after 24 hours and does not include support or upgrades, and commerical use is not permitted. Individual developers may alter these conditions for their own giveaways (eg provide support or updates).

If you uninstall, delete, corrupt, damage or attempt to update the giveaway software - it likely will not permit to be reinstalled or operate as a trial.

In the past there have been a few giveaways that have reverted to a trial (for everyone) as a result of a programming error of the developer. In all of these cases in the past (that I know of) the developers have provided an updated program to fix their error.

If by not getting the benefits of full software registration (such as the ability to reinstall, upgrade or obtain technical support) with these giveaways makes you feel like this is a "Trialoftheday" then that's fine with me (I can't speak for the GOTD Team - maybe your sense of getting "ripped off" or "tricked" upsets them too).

There is no point complaining that you can't reinstall the software - that's how this deal works. The rules haven't been changed while you weren't looking. Every Giveaway has the requirement to install before the 24 hour giveaway period is over. After that, no more installs. If that bothers you, these giveaways just aren't for you. No point complaining, because GOTD isn't going to change. Easiest thing is to leave us, and go find another website that offers software on terms you find more agreeable.

Posted 16 years ago #
Archangel
Member

TOTD???? Then there wouldn't be an activate.exe and then we wouldn't have people coming to the forum complaining about not being able to activate a program. Now what kind of fun would that be???

Sorry for getting things worked up. Actually I'm probably the worlds worse when it comes to tv shows and movie copying. I've got a son stationed is S Korea and I do rip and convert them so he can have alittle enjoyment from home. Bring out the stake and firewood!!

Posted 16 years ago #
Nancy
Member

i agree there with raindew01. at first, when i found about gaott, i thought i have found a gold-mine.

Posted 16 years ago #
Addugeek
Member

pls people, settle down, be thankful you can get a free-full-legal software, and can keep it unless you deside it worthless and uninstall, or have to format(don't take personally)

Well, where else you get free-full programmes which "ARE" actually legal.

And yet again, if you ever sold a programme which you spent monts on and know that would be the last one you would ever sell, how would you feel? So just give a damn what GAoTD does..

Posted 16 years ago #

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