Software use and Multi-computer Homes

I think software is more like a book than a movie.

Only one person at a time can read a book, but you can all read the book at different times.  If you want your entire family to read the book at the same time then you can either read it aloud (similar to a group of people playing multiplayer on a single console), or buy each person their own copy to read.

That's generally my take on it too. But on the other hand, I do see some opportunity here for software developers to increase their revenue stream while at the same time reducing piracy.

MHA makes a reasonable point. Many families have multiple computers but aren't prepared to buy x number of copies of software in order to use it on all of them.

Take Microsoft Office for example - whether you run the "Home and Student" edition, or the "Ultimate" edition - most families will probably buy one copy and want to install it on all of their computers. In all likelihood, it will rarely be actively in use on more than one computer at a time. With prices ranging from $149-$679 for the software, that adds up pretty quickly.

Now Microsoft has a leg up over smaller software houses what with their activation technology that will prevent multiple installs, but I'm sure many families would be prepared to pay a premium for a "Family Edition" of software that would allow them to legally run the software on multiple computers in the same household.

The DVD analogy is a pretty poor one. Let's say all three of your family members wanted to watch the same DVD but, at different times while the other ones' are already at a different point in the movie...can't be done!

Let's say at some point the predictions of primarily web based models happens. In order to play the game you have to subscribe each member of the household. Subscription services I think would be more in lime with what Bunnahabhain said and I think there would be family/friend discounts. I would agree with a "Family Edition" model suggestion only the option would be exclusive to a home network. Maybe look into networking to one computer station?

It's very easy to devalue someone else's work especially when it comes to intellectual or artistic endeavors. After all I don't go into McD's order one meal and expect to get served three.

Neil got it in one....;)

Agreed, although you just wanted to see if post four was still missing!

Dang it....

/me hunts the thief...

 

Oh, Andrew.....

Andy-baby....

You Hoo...;)

Ok My analogy may have been poor, but it did make my point..lol, I never claimed to be a philosopher of any kind...roflmao. But when it comes to software, and possibly some games I might be willing to pay a few extra bucks for a "family edition" it would sure beat having to put out the cash to buy the same thing multiple times.

First off what programs are you talking about? Photoshop? Stardock programs? Games? What?

You have 3 computers going? Do you connect to the net on all 3? How do you do it? Dial up? Cable? The electricity bill alone has got to be high if you are running 3 set ups. Having 3 computers going in one household is gonna cost ya.

You don't have much choice. Cut back in other areas or go without. Some software costs more than a whole computer set up. Sadly that's the way it is.

Oh My Chasbo I'm not complaining, I was just wondering what other's thoughts were on this. I get the feeling you think I'm whining or something. I'm just trying to have a non-heated discussion surrounding the topic. I was referring to Software in general from games to programs not just one thing in particular. Sorry if my question confused you in any way. If I took your response incorrectly in anyway I apologize.

We have a broadband connection using a router, and yes there are plenty of times We go without just because of costs, as I said though I was mostly just curious as to what others opinions were on the matter.


@SirSmiley
I was in no way meaning to devalue someone else's work I was simply saying that in some cases it might be smarter for some dev's to offer something like a group or family discount as opposed to expecting the every-day consumer to spends in some cases close to $1000 so everyone in their home has a right to install the said piece of software on their pc and use it accordingly.

Take for example the short-lived Microsoft family licensing that was a good idea why it's no longer being offered is something I don't quite understand.

some software companies are now marketing software licenses for up to three computers at one time for a slightly higher fee than the original one computer package. I think that's a viable option for alot of programs and would work with subscription programs too.
Has anyone seen programs like that? maybe post some urls for those with multiple computers in their homes.