Buying software as a download.

What does everyone think about this?
I've done it, it gives you a wider choice of software but I see problems if you have a big system crash and need to re-install and re-register. I've had some issues in this respect.

Edit. In the context of paying for software. Not free downloads.
Edit # 2.. In the context of software other then the main OS.

Mychael

Your poll questions are slanted to the negative just a little bit.

Perhaps another question would be: Have purchased it and had no problems.

I have bought software as a download only, then store the program executable and register info on an external hard drive. Never had any problems.

Just my two cents worth.

Can I add to the poll? I thought answering yes to the first question would imply that the poster found buying online acceptable?

You have it written as: The ONLY way I purchase new software.

Many people buy boxed software such as Windows 7 and Office 2007, Nero and such.

I haven't bought that much software as a "download only" option online, about four if I remember right. However each transaction went smoothly and without a hitch.

Yes, see what you mean. Do I have to kill it and start again or can I add another choice. (maybe easier if i just kill it)

I added the extra option for you.

Ta mate.

Mike

I would strongly prefer to buy online. I don't feel like going to the store.

Me too. Why get out in the rat race when you don't have to? If you know what you want, trust the product & seller, you can get it for less (usually) and have it installed & running, by the time you can be back home with it. Plus, the gas and wear & tear on your ride counts, too. And if you use a credit card or PayPal, you're protected. I've had no bad experiences from paid downloads, it was the "freebies" that gave me trouble. You get what you pay for, in most cases.

The issues I've ever had was not in the actual purchase but in getting either customer support and/or a fresh download/ re-registration when I've had to re-format or replace my system drive.

I've also learn't to 'read the fine print' as caught out once when a product automatically billed me for a renewal instead of asking for my authority and another that ceased to function after 12 months when I did not renew. Now that to me is like I was hiring the software for a yr instead of ever owning it. To my mind renewing is just so you can still get updates and support not to actually keep the program running.

So my preference will now always be to buy hard copy if it's feasible, never been an issue for me to go to to an actual shop, plus I can read the box and find out exactly if it's what I want before purchase.

I'm afraid though that the future will be only online/download shopping for software.