James, <<I know you said that the seller "indicated" that the software was legal. Was this an *explicit* claim, or did you simply "assume" that it was so? The reason I ask is that if the seller _explicitly_ claimed the software was legit, you may be able to drop her an email. An email along the lines of "hey, if I can't send the machine back and get a refund, I will contact your local police department's Computer Crime Division (assuming they have one) and let them know you're selling pirated software, Please do not make me do this."
Admittedly, the above ploy is more bluff than anything. However, the seller may be the type that is anxious to avoid trouble. [shrugs]>> I avoid ads that state the computer comes with X software installed. The ad said it came with "fully licensed versions" of the software, which means to me it's not illegal. If I had thought that it was, I would not have bid. During our exchange of e-mails, she said she would fully transfer ownership of all software. Of course now, I realize it should have said it comes with the original media and manuals. I did check out the transfer of ownership terms from each software company. I also figured out she strung me along by e-mail till eBay and PayPal resolution times would pass. I'm pretty sure I'm past the CC companies time limit too, but it's worth checking out. Wouldn't it be better to contact the software companies instead? <<If you don't have the original media for the software, then it's my understanding that what you have is an illegal installation. Reasons 2 and 3 are attempted rationalizations as to why that software is still on your drive (I'm not trying to be harsh, but let's face facts, please). You're in possession of software you cannot show legitimate ownership of. Whether or not you're currently using it or "plan to" buy legitimate copies doesn't really mean anything.>> Legally, I may own the software and she hasn't fulfilled the eBay contract. I do believe I could prove it in court. However health and the possible hassle and costs have prevented me from pursuing legal avenues till now. Facing facts, since I'm not using the software, there is no reason to go through the hassle of removing the software immediately if 1- I may need to show the software companies proof of piracy, and 2-I'm just going to buy the same software soon. I agree it is pirated software if I have no right to it. <<As far as reason #1 is concerned, if you need hand-holding to perform the nuke and pave, just ask the list. I'm sure everyone would be more than happy to walk you through it, especially as doing so might help keep you out of trouble. >> I'm not worried about getting in trouble, and yes, the list is very helpful. Trust me, when I finally start using OSX, I'll be back for questions like how to remove unwanted software. <<The idea here is that if you don't have the original media, it could theoretically be installed on god-knows-how-many machines because, well, no one knows just where the original media is. Also, the splash screen for the software may say who the software is licensed to. If that name doesn't match your own, guess what?>> My best guess is she bought a G5 and installed it on that and left the software on the machine she sold me. Yeah, it says it's registered to the software company that makes it. As far as the name matching your own, when I do register software, sometimes I put Dad or Atari STeve (I started with Atari's) in the registered to part. <<I can only hope you are not using/planning to use this software in a business setting of some kind. If you get audited, the trouble you'll find yourself in will quickly negate any possible savings. It's just not worth it.>> I will not use any of the software till I own it. Period! I'm not worried about an audit. <<Fully legal copies of software come up for sale all the time on the Swap List at knockdown prices. However, it would help us a great deal if we actually knew what the software you're looking for *was.* Without specific program titles, it's hard to advise someone as to whether or not a particular application or version of an application will meet their needs. The corollary to this is that we don't know what it is you're trying to accomplish with the software in the first place; please do tell us. Perhaps what you have loaded on your HD won't work effectively for what you need it to do anyway. ]shrugs]>> Microsoft Office 2004 Adobe Creative Suite CS2 Final Cut Pro 4.5 HD <<Go here: http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/swap.html>> Thanks. However, the reason I wrote is not about whether the software is illegal or not, etc. I was looking for answers to questions like: Is there any real difference between regular and Student/Teacher versions? I've heard that upgrade versions install just like non-upgrade versions and don't actually require a previous version or serial numbers. True? STeve -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... 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