Re: A89: The logic behing signined and unsigned programs!
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Re: A89: The logic behing signined and unsigned programs!
On Tue, 7 Dec 1999, Michael Kristiansen wrote:
> >If TI would sign programs just for security, why the heck does it cost so
> >much? If they charge Ti-89 like they do Ti-83+, with educational license
> >its _$33_ per _one_signature_, even if the program is released freeware.
> >And if someone else takes the source (which I always give out) and
> >improves the program to match his needs, another $33 for signature.
> >
> >It's like an opposite of normal situation; Normally, programmer makes
> >programs and sells them at $33. But TI wants it to be; programmer
> >makes programs and pays $33 per program.
>
> Signing a program costs $33, OK. But you only pay this price once!
> Furthermore, software which runs from the flash ROM, this means TI gives the
> programmers out there the oppurtunity to write commercial programs for the
> TI-89! I - personally - wouldn't release the source to a program I paid $33
> for a license! Imagine someone writes a really good Word89 for the calc and
> signs it for commercial release: He could sell his program! This program
> can't be copied, and then there's one great thing left:
>
> YOUR PROGRAM IS COPYRIGHTED AND CAN'T BE COPIED WITHOUT YOUR
> AUTHORIZATION!!!
I don't know whether it's signature per program or just signature per
program signed. That is, can you get the signature for free if you're
just upgrading a program.
This brings me to an interesting point; How does a program check if its
in the right calc? If you put a piece of code into your program that
checks the serial number, ie. modify the program to fit a specific calc,
you have to re-sign the program because signed programs can't be modified.
That would mean that for every program sold, TI gets >$30 and users have
to pay it.
_Please_ do tell me I'm wrong. I'm starting feel rather ill.
You got the point though,; No-one (except hardcore fanatics) would
release freeware programs if they have to pay to make them.
The problem is; While some want to sell their software, many are coding
just for the fun of it (like me!) and are severely hindered by TIs bias
toward commercial software.
And remember, just because its signed doesn't mean its good. You might
end up very pissed after paying for lousy software. Judging from the
_average_ quality of programs I wouldn't risk/bother buying any.
- Riba
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