We have three Apple computers in our house. When Leopard, Apple's latest version of the OS X operating system was released in October I had four choices...

1. Continue to use OS X version 10.4

2. Wait for the day after its release and download a copy of OS X 10.5 off the Internet.

3. Buy one copy for $129 and install it on one or more computers.

4. Buy a family pack for $199 and install it on up to five computers.

I chose the most expensive option. I paid $199 from the online Apple Store and bought the family pack. I installed the software on three computers.

I had all these choices available to me, because Apple does not require a CD Key or Serial number to be entered when you install their Operating System. They have no "Activation" that is required before you can use the software. They trust their customers. And for those that don't choose the legal route, hey at least they are using Apple's software and not someone else's right?

So what did I do when Vista came out? I bought one copy so I could support my customers who were also using it. I also proceeded to stop using my Windows based computer and I bought a Mac.

Why? Partly because of the cost associated with Windows based software. Partly because the Mac systems and OS are in my opinion better for what I do. And partly to stick it to the man!

You see Microsoft doesn't offer family packs of their Operating System, so the cost of upgrading all of my systems to Vista would have been near $1000. Or with Apple $199.

Why do I bring this up? It has been something I have thought since I switched to Mac but also because today there is news that Leopard Family Pack sales actually are doing pretty good, with 33% of the copies sold being the family pack version. Sure each company has the choice as to what it's business model is, but this just goes to show that people will pay for software, music, movies etc... if they like the product, and they think they are getting a fair deal.

Kinda makes a case against copyright legislation that protects rights holders over consumers, doesn't it?

• Darren Mak's blog