More and more, we are getting used to getting new software by downloading from the web.
Downloading, as opposed to going to a shop, purchasing a CD or DVD with ridiculous amounts of packaging, bringing it home, putting it in our computer, and hitting “Install”.
I have been wondering how long it will take until the major manufacturers of software such as Microsoft and Apple start releasing their major applications, and even operating systems as downloads. There are several problems with this method of distribution however, including piracy, and the fact that, believe it or not, not everyone has an internet connection yet.
Rogue Amoeba have come up with a solution that could take care of the problem faced by many software manufacturers: Live Disc.
Live Disc isn’t terribly revolutionary, it’s just using the idea of updating your software online in a new way. When you put the CD in your computer, and install an application from it, the Live Disc application will first check to see if there are any later versions on Rogue Amoeba’s server. If there is a later version, it will download that first, and then the install process will begin.
The beauty of this idea is that it works great for people who have an internet connection (they get the latest copy), while those that don’t have the internet can still get a recent version of the software just as they would before.
If you are attending Macworld this year, be sure to come by Rogue Amoeba’s booth (#2738 in the South Hall), and grab a free disc to see Live Disc in action.
What’s your opinion on Software in the internet age? Is it time companies stopped selling boxed software once and for all, or is the packaging part of the purchase for you?
