Re: Leaving a computer program (NB) in my will

["Gerald W. Schlabach" <gws>]

An interesting question.  But I'd look at it this way:  Someone who dies
ain't gonna use the software anymore, and even a perverse library (which is
almost an oxymoron) or a cash-strapped one (which is more likely) is not
going to want to bootleg a software program that gets more and more out of
date.  So the whole package of computer files and the interface needed to
read them are effectively frozen as a tool for further production.  No one
has anything to worry about, certainly for very long.  The relevant frame of
reference is 10, 20, 50 years from now.  Statute of limitations and all
that.  If a software company wants to fight with the dead, then the soul of
capitalism is even more damned than I thought.

gws

-----Original Message-----
From: Nota Bene List [mailto:NOTABENE]On Behalf Of Mary Bernard
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 1998 9:11 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list NOTABENE
Subject: Leaving a computer program (NB) in my will


I'm updating my will, and I have a question. I'm leaving materials related
to my grandfather (a
minor literary figure in New Brunswick, Canada) to the public
library of his home town. Most of the materials are computer
files - NB files, to be specific. The town is small (pop. 4000)
and so is the library's budget. They won't be able to afford to invest in
NB, just to make
these files accessible. My copy of NB is registered in my name, and I
suppose it's what's called a single-user license. Does permission to use
my copy die with me, or can I transfer it - i.e., can I leave my copy of
NB to the library for the purpose of reading/printing my NB
files?

Best wishes

Mary

Mary Bernard
<if10000>