posted on April 20, 2001 12:06:42 PM new
Does anyone know the legalities of selling academic software on eBay? I know here at the University you need to show that you are a student in order to buy it.
I know a lot of eBay sellers are selling academic version of very expensive compilers with misleading titles. I would really hate to buy an academic version by some fault and then have no legs to stand on with a refund.
posted on April 20, 2001 01:27:04 PM new
The system pretty much works on the honor system from the maker to the wholesaler. some are real strict some not. My wife works for the University and can buy the software for me. Then if I resell it there is no check on who I sell it to. Don't you know someone that can buy it for yopu?
posted on April 20, 2001 02:17:41 PM new
If you are not a student don't waste your time because a lot of sellers had auctions ended because they were not requiring winning bidders to show proof of academic status. So you probably are wasting your time if you can't prove your status as they may not sell to you.
If you need C++, Java, Visual Basic, etc, just buy a book on it and it normally includes the compiler but does not permit distribution of the executible.
If you are using it for business purposes and get caught you risk having legal problems. Microsoft is really big on taking action on their products, I don't know about others.
Anyway, because the academic versions MAY not create an executible that can be used without the product, it will be pretty useless.
posted on April 20, 2001 04:47:31 PM new
That's true. My Visual Basic book ($80) came with a Run-Time version of Visual Basic 6.0 but had the make executable option removed.
I know at least one seller who sells academic software, asks student to fax ID, but never provides number. Gouges on shipping too.
posted on April 20, 2001 10:38:18 PM new
I have all kinds of academic software loaded on my computers because I am learning C++ and Visual Basic, but other than for use in learning how to program they have ZERO value for use in Business.
