Clone

C&VG (Computer & Video Games)

COPY CAT TAPE POSES A PROBLEM Software piracy is a topic currently undergoing great discussion at the moment by the software houses. Arch rivals like Bug Byte and Quicksilva have come together to discuss "common problems" and software piracy in particular. One new release this month from Work Force software of Luton deliberately sets out to bring the issue into sharp focus. Called Clone its purpose is suggested in its name. "Clone will copy standard Spectrum tapes. Its purpose is to back up tapes purchased by the user", says a press release from Work Force. What worries the software houses is that instead of using back up copies as genuine back up copies they can also quite easily be used to sell or lend to a third party. In the press release sent to Computer and Video Games Work Force state that: "We have had the program available for some time but held back from releasing it." It is sold with the following condition attached: "Clone is for the use of the purchaser only and it is to be used solely for the purpose of making back-up copies of the purchasers software. Clone must not be used to produce more than one copy of the software tape and the owner may not sell, hire, or otherwise dispose of the back-up copy."