Re: copyright

["Sharron L. McElmeel" <mcelmeel@MCELMEEL.COM>]

I think I am missing something with this copyright discussion -- it is not
illegal to circulate software under the right circumstances.

Of course, if a particular piece of software is purchased and has to be
loaded onto a hard drive to operate than yes, it may be loaded onto just
one computer at any one time.  However, if that piece of software or any
part of it either does not need to be actually "loaded" -- meaning just the
disk needs to be inserted or if loaded the software is removed from the
disk drive then one copy of the software can legally be used on any
computer which can utilize it.  The key is only ONE but classroom A can use
it on Monday, remove all parts of the software, and classroom B could use
it legally the next day.

Some programs necessitate having a "kernel" loaded and then require the CD
ROM to be inserted for use.  Some teachers have assumed that they could
load the kernel and then since they had to have the CD ROM to actually use
the program that that procedure was legal.  In fact, it is not.  However,
with several companies we contacted, the representative (and they checked
higher up) had no idea that the fact that a kernel had to be loaded
prohibited us from purchasing a copy to circulate their software to use in
several, for example, third grade classrooms.  They graciously issued
letters stating that we could load the "kernel" on multiple machines so
that that portion did not need to be loaded and then deleted each time.

We followed the same procedure Jane mentioned, that is:
> NO software is brought in or installed on classroom computers unless
>the teacher donates it to the school...and then it is placed only on the
>appropriate number of computers for which copies were bought.

Read your license -- some companies do allow multiple use, some don't.

Sharron

Sharron L. McElmeel <mailto:mcelmeel@mcelmeel.com>
Educational and Literacy Consultant
3000 N. Center Point Rd
Cedar Rapids  IA 52411-9548
http://www.mcelmeel.com
ph. 319-393-2562; fax. 319-393-4749

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