Microsoft Sets Value Of Pirated Windows: $1 581
nick_davison writes "The BBC is reporting that Microsoft has reached a deal with the Indonesian government on pirated software - which is believed to affect around 50,000 government PCs. Under the deal, Indonesia will pay $1 per copy and agree to buy legally in the future. Indonesia's information minister, Sofyan Djalil, said, "Microsoft is being realistic. They can't force developing countries like us to solely use legal software since we can't afford it. They want us to gradually reduce our use of it." Somehow it seems unlikely the same rules will be applied to developing companies and poorer individuals in the United States."
Why is Indonesia submitting like this? (Score:2, Interesting)
If... (Score:2, Interesting)
WTF? You all missed the biggest question! (Score:3, Interesting)
I Spoke to My Indonesian Girlfriend About This (Score:5, Interesting)
"Damnit this is awful. But it sounds about right. After that damned Suharto ran off with $30 billion dollars, there was no way in hell we could ever afford to pay for anything. But still, better for him to steal it than Microsoft."
Re:Their information minister is clueless (Score:3, Interesting)
Helloooo, then DEVELOP some software! I think the parent of your post is saying that if they can not afford Windows, then use something cheaper or free. Or maybe get rid of computers all together? 50 years ago I think indonesia was trucking along quite well without computers.
In fact, why don't you create the software they need to avoid paying MS. They are a developing country, so they can't/won't pay you, but go ahead and do it anyway, you know, because they are developing.
Re:How about (Score:2, Interesting)
If she looked like me they would be passing the hat around to buy the bullets to shoot me with.
Re:Someone send a memo to the RIAA... (Score:4, Interesting)
If they couldn't afford it now, how will they affor it in the future?
And, what's to say, I can't afford Windows, so, can I pay $1? They got to, why can't I?
Re:How about (Score:0, Interesting)
I think its kinda relevant in deciding whether shes guilty or not!
Now cheaper than gado gado from the local warung (Score:5, Interesting)
I've been to Indonesia briefly. If I remember correctly, one dollar translates to about 10,000 Rupies, which will buy you a pretty good meal just about anywhere, or an unreliable CD containing mp3s of every Bob Marley song ever recorded, or 10 packs of ramen (ramen costs the same everywhere in the world), or about 5 or 10 angkot rides, or more biskuat than you can eat in one sitting. I stayed a few days in a hotel in Batu Karas for about about $4-$5 a night for a room shared with a couple friends. You can buy antibiotics for about a dollar or so I believe.
I didn't see many computers there, so I don't know if Linux is very well established, but no one cares about piracy over there. The percieved cost of windows is about the same as the percieved cost of Linux: whatever it costs to get a burned copy from a street vendor. "Joe sixpack" is unlikely to own a computer (though TVs are very common), but if he does, he'll probably use whatever everyone else is using, which is probably Windows.
Re:Hrm.. (Score:5, Interesting)
Mod Parent Up (Score:3, Interesting)
If Indonesia decides that copying Windows is legal, then it's legal there.
Re:How about (Score:0, Interesting)
Re:How about (Score:2, Interesting)
Would she be found guilty in any given Western country, if she was found with 4kg of dope but without any evidence that it was not hers? I think you would have to say yes. I note that Australians now are split 50-50 according to the latest poll, whereas right after the trial 90% were said to think she iss innocent. I imagine this is due to the stories going around about her families long history of drug dealing.
Do I *know* if she is guilty or innocent? No. Do I think there was sufficient evidence presented to convict her beyond a reasonable doubt? Yup. Was the judge too harsh in not allowing her to explain her defence? Maybe, but what evidence could she present?
Next, separate, question: Was 20 years too much? People differ on their views on drug trafficking sentencing, but Southeast Asian countries take it very seriously. In Singapore and many other countries, she would be executed. I also think her sentence was influenced by the Australian bozo who flew up to hold press conferences and plead her case in the media, then announced that someone had approached him about bribing the judge. I don't imagine that led the judge to look too kindly on the whole thing. With friends like that...
Re:Hrm.. (Score:3, Interesting)
I've seen other companies do this. Users buy a product over-seas thinking that they are getting a bargain, then they call the company for support and are told to pay or go away. It won't really affect the technies who can support themselves but it makes it difficult for people who will need some help.