Is demo software safe?

I just splurged on a Nomad pack with my $25 coupon for taking the survey. I wasn't planning to spend the money and I feel kinda guilty that I spend $275 or whatever that I wasn't planning on. (I had it saved for X4, right?)
 
So, I download and install it, and I'm checking out the plugins and enjoying myself and then I notice one isn't playing.
 
It's a DEMO.
 
They automatically installed DEMO versions on my DAW when I installed the pack I bought.
 
Now, I have had problems with software that caused me to have to go through a good bit of pain (I first noticed it after installing Syntorial Software, but the problem may have predated that). I had to create a new user account to resolve the Digital Rights Management Problems that were caused by some Demo software or other.
 
So, to tell the truth, I'm really upset that Nomad installed DEMO software without my knowledge.
 
Anyone got any opinions about this? I just need to chill, huh.
 
See, I should stick to my guns and just by hardware. Software just blows.

Time to go enjoy my new toys. I'll delete the offending DLL and try to be cool about it.
 
They're just trying to stay in business like everyone else, right? They wanted to tempt me with a new plugin they've created, and I'm sure it's a good one. I did use it and like it until it stopped working being a demo.
 
But I would not have personally installed it as a DEMO. I would have listened to samples on youtube and either purchased it or not. I do not trust Digital Rights Management.
 
While I'm sure DRM helps companies that sell software protect themselves from thieves, it also prevents legit customers from using products. Someone's DRM stuff messed up my ability to use about 10 products I own. I couldn't watch my videos from Cakewalk (which I've purchased) or use Syntorial (again, I purchased it) or use Microsoft's Expression tools (and yes, I've purchased them).
 
The side effect of the Demo software was that audio went in and out (like it does on demos) intermittently for lots of other applications. The only solution was to create a new user account (this tip came from Joe at Syntorial -- I love Syntorial!!).
 
I can't say who's demo software caused my problem. I've installed WAVES demo software, Syntorial before purchasing and Melodyne before purchasing. I don't think any others.
 
In the past I've purchased versions of movies I was supposed to be able to put on my daughter's Zune but it didn't work (DRM). IMHO, DRM costs legit customers a substantial amount of time and money while protecting big corporations (Microsoft, Movie Industry, and even little Cakewalk).
 
So you might say, if we don't protect Microsoft and the big software companies, who will? But I respond that I don't want to protect them at the expense of science and the people of the world. If it wasn't for Microsoft and Apple, think where Linux would be today!!
 
I'm certain that Open Source is going to win the long distance race.
 
Today I'm disappointed in myself for supporting Nomad over companies that write for Linux.
 
And really, the whole reason I'm ranting is that Nomad took the liberty of forcing DEMO software on me against my will.

mike_mccue
If a vendor sneaked an install of a demo while I was installing something I purchased from them I'd be very aggravated... 

This is exactly the case, Mike. I purchased it out right -- the bundle that is advertised as including everything...
Cakewalk
http://www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cus/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=30-NFIS3.00-20E
Nomad
http://nomadfactory.com/products/isp/index.html
 
But they've come out with a new plugin that isn't included. Ok that's cool and I understand that the Everything Bundle isn't everything for all time...
 
Link to info on the new plugin...
http://nomadfactory.com/products/cosmos/index.html
 
But sneaking the demo version of the new software onto my PC really upset me.
 
It is not possible to install the software I bought without installing the Demo. I'm guessing that the Integral Package purchased through Nomad may include the Cosmos plugin where when purchased through Cakewalk it doesn't? I don't know.
 
I think they have touched on a much bigger aggravation by installing this DEMO software on my PC without my OK. It's like the Addictive Drums constant advertising. You can't even go into the plugin you own without seeing adverts for drum kits you don't own. They've turned my PC into a billboard for their software. It's a complete turn off. -- Notice I did NOT buy an AD2 kit with my coupon.
 
It makes me want to kick Windows to the curb.

That is an interesting insight Eddie.
 
Maybe Geoff will end up with a full version of Cosmos in addition to everything?

I did a re-install, but it didn't help. I was careful to only check the Integral Pack (not accidentally also check COSMOS. I'm sure I didn't the first time, but just being certain).
 
It reinstalled COSMOS again. I even went with the default install path.
 
The problem isn't that Nomad is failing to authorize it. The problem is that Nomad isn't going to Authorize it. They included it in their installer with the intention of tempting me into spending more money with them. They intentionally put adware on my PC.
 
I did go through the authorization process and all plugins are authorized that I can see except for COSMOS.This is certainly appears to be advertising.

Nomad Factory says: 

Once authorized, the demo restrictions will be removed and you'll be able to fully use the purchased software.

 
The implication is that you install just one DLL, and that it runs in demo mode until authorized. That's how it should always be done, and I avoid demoing products that don't explicitly say that. You should never have to uninstall a demo version - vendors who make you do that are just lazy and paranoid.
 
I certainly wouldn't jump through any hoops for Cosmos. When I bought it on sale for $20 it was a good buy, even though I've only used it a few times (it can be pretty good for adding thump to acoustic kicks). For any more than that I wouldn't bother. It's not that special.
 
 

And here I thought "jazz" was any mistake you made twice in a row.

mike_mccue
Is this week 2 of the Jazz Improv course by Gary Burton?

Yes!