------------------------------ From: Gordon Meyer <72307.1502@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: The CU in the News: SPA Settlement SPA Settlement Date: 10 Mar 91 02:54:32 EST ******************************************************************** *** CuD #3.08: File 6 of 6: The CU in the News *** ******************************************************************** - Washington, D.C. SPA STRIKES AGAIN! --------------- Last week the Software Publishers Association (SPA) reported a settle- ment with Davy McKee Corp. concerning illegal use of software (CPU Status Report #10), this week the SPA has announced a raid on Parametrix Corp., an engineering consulting firm, that "unveiled a substantial number of illegal copies of software in use." After obtaining an exparte writ of seizure and a temporary restraining order, on February 26, the SPA's attorneys, along with some federal marshals paid a surprise visit to the Bellevue and Sumner locations of Parametrix and conducted an audit of the personal computers at these locations. SPA Executive Director Ken Wasch said, "The raid on Parametrix is part of the industry's stepped-up campaign against software piracy in corporate America. The SPA now receives dozens of piracy reports each week, and we are filing new lawsuits every few days." [Moderators' note: Those of us heavily into the matrix tend to forget that most "real people" aren't using the same tools to obtain information, etc. Here are some interesting numbers that may help to understand the next time the general public fails to get too excited about encroachments on our electronic freedoms.] - Stamford, Connecticut OVER 1/2 OF US HOUSEHOLDS DON'T ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ USE PC, FAX OR CELLULAR PHONES According to a survey of 45,000 U.S. households done by Comtec Market Analysis Services of the Gartner Group, 52% of Americans haven't used a PC, fax machine or cellular phone, either at home or at work. Only 3% of households use all 3 technologies while cellular phones are in 7% and 42% use PCs. Source: STReport March 08, 1991 No.7.10 Reprinted with permission. ******************************************************************** ------------------------------ **END OF CuD #3.08** ********************************************************************