I agree with almost all the content here, except to the areas about copy protection. I own this games and play it alot! I hope my CD doesn't get scratched etc. (have to go buy new one) Why don't Software Developers include a function to SPAWN Play Disk!
One it could code it to my system, using Processor, Ram, User logged to Windows, and a host of other internal checks that would only work from my computer. The only function of the Play CD included in the game package is, after install to verify CD check. It does not load game content it's ALL on the hard drive. Just another thought.....
In the License Conditions..
You agree not to:
a) Commercially exploit Software
b) Distribute, sell, rent, etc etc
c) Make copies of the software or any part thereof,
EXCEPT FOR BACK UP OR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES.
You have the right to make backup, but can't. ie. COPY PROTECTION
I would bet HALF of all Copy's made are made becuase people like Me hate the CD swap, hunt for misplaced CD, when we switch games. If I had a Spawn disk I could leave it lay around and not worry about putting it away to prevent damage.
It is a pain to have to find my Risk 2 disk one Day, then hunt down Generals, then try to remember which case I put my Stronghold CD in. Get the idea.
As I said the Spawn CD would work best, if it got lost or damaged I could simply Spawn a new one. I have had other software that did this and more. Starcraft would even Spawn Multiplayer Disks for friends to use on LAN as long as ONE computer ran the original. My how times change.
Enough Said.....