Well, the “forever” part was tricky because it might break due to OS upgrades or computer architecture/chip changes.

But making a one-time purchase and using software 5 or 10 years was not unheard of.

I think I paid $500 for Photoshop and it came out to under $9 per month if I do the math right… that’s for 10 years of use.

If it’s still $20 per month for a subscription and you do 10 years that’s $2,400.

@rasterweb 2/ I would liken software to being more like a personal vehicle, which you can buy, rent, or lease. Probably lease. A new car depreciates over time, no matter how well cared for. A leased car has aspects of both ownership or rental, but is replaced periodically.

But no one can build equity in software, no matter how you access it or for how long. There's no appreciation, no resale value, for anyone.

@wesdym If you want to be pedantic (which I am fine with):

I can own it for as long as like and/or as long as I am able.

Is that better?

So what is the software equivalency of this?

In the old days maybe it would have been getting a used computer with software already installed from the previous owner that you could still use?

@rasterweb Ironic that you should accuse me of pedantry.

Take a powder. And try not to be this tiresome and immature in the future, okay?