The techie news sites are lighting up with reports of Opera, the
alternative web browser, going free. Yes, that’s right. It
is now free of charge and can be downloaded from Opera’s web
site. I’m not going to provide the download link. I’m sure
you can find it on your own, but I would like to provide the results of
my little probe into this new operatic freedom. I decided to
download it (not because I wanted to use it but because that was the
only place I could find the End User License Agreement). I’m
probably violating their copyright by reproducing this here, but oh
well. They can sue me for the lint in my pocket.
All emphasis is mine:
You may not use the Software on non-PC products, devices, or
embedded in any other product, including, but not limited to, mobile
devices, internet appliances, set top boxes (STB), handhelds, PDAs,
phones, web pads, tablets, game consoles, TVs, gaming machines, home
automation systems, or any other consumer electronics devices or
mobile/cable/satellite/television or closed system based service.
You may not sell, rent, lease or sublicense the Software, without the explicit
written consent of Opera Software ASA.
The Software is protected by copyright laws and international treaties.
All intellectual property rights such as but not limited to patents,
trademarks, copyrights or trade secret rights related to the Software
are the property of and remains vested in Opera Software ASA/its
suppliers.
You shall not modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or
disassemble the Software or any part thereof or otherwise attempt to
derive source code or create derivative works therefrom.
You are not allowed to remove, alter or destroy any proprietary, trademark or copyright markings or notices placed upon or contained with the Software.
As you can see, Opera is now free as in beer. It is not, however,
free as in freedom. When it asked me if I agreed or disagreed to
the EULA, I clicked disagree because I was just being honest.Â
Well, it closed the installation program. Hmph!
(By the way, I’m typing this on Firefox (http://www.spreadfirefox.com)).
OK, maybe not, but at least someone advising him is. Think about it. By appointing John Roberts, a 50-year-old man, as Supreme Court Justice, he has guaranteed that one of his own will influence American law for at least the next 20 years (if Allah wills). Imagine that. Now, Dubya has the chance to add yet another justice to the mix. No doubt, this will be another young person. It is a lifetime appointment. Let’s hope they spend the rest of their lives doing what’s right.
