Can I continue the trial of ESET without activating it?
Can I continue the trial of ESET without activating it?
I know software is protected by the Law. I has downloaded a trial version of ESET which can be used for 30 days. After the period, if I just leave it there and do not pay for it, it can be used with some functions disabled. If I purchase the key and activate it, it can be used fully. Is it legal for me to just use it without activating it?
Hi Halie,
There is nothing in the ESET terms and conditions which appears to forbid use of the their product after the 30 day period, and since, in theory, you could just keep downloading a new trial version every 30 days, I don't think you would be violating the licence by not upgrading to the full product. However of course since you would not get any automatic updates with the trial version, it's value as a security program would soon be reduced as your computer is likely to be vulnerable to newly emerging threats.
Quite often customers using the free version of security programs 'pay' for the service by automatically providing the makers with data about attempted attacks and other threats, which allows them to build up statistics about such threats etc. I don't know if this applies to ESET, but you may find that the program phones home on a regular basis, so the makers could well be aware when you continue using the product, and that will be the time when you will find out if they object, as you may start receiving reminders to update. I don't think you will face any more severe sanction than that.
There is nothing in the ESET terms and conditions which appears to forbid use of the their product after the 30 day period, and since, in theory, you could just keep downloading a new trial version every 30 days, I don't think you would be violating the licence by not upgrading to the full product. However of course since you would not get any automatic updates with the trial version, it's value as a security program would soon be reduced as your computer is likely to be vulnerable to newly emerging threats.
Quite often customers using the free version of security programs 'pay' for the service by automatically providing the makers with data about attempted attacks and other threats, which allows them to build up statistics about such threats etc. I don't know if this applies to ESET, but you may find that the program phones home on a regular basis, so the makers could well be aware when you continue using the product, and that will be the time when you will find out if they object, as you may start receiving reminders to update. I don't think you will face any more severe sanction than that.
Advice or comment provided here is not and does not purport to be legal advice as defined by s.12 of Legal Services Act 2007