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What you should consider when buying used (digital) software

Photo credit: FirmBee @pixabay.com

Do you need or want to buy new software, but your student budget is too tight? Used software can be a cheap alternative because, after all, computer programs don't wear out like normal objects. If you want to purchase used software, you should definitely read our tips beforehand that we found for you in the computer magazine c't .

Copyright regulations for second or third hand software

According to German law, software can be traded like an ordinary thing. The prerequisite for this is that the copy to be sold is complete and corresponds to the one that the original buyer purchased. This also applies to software that was purchased as a download.

That all sounds good, but unfortunately the new buyer of the used software often cannot do anything with the program. Depending on the manufacturer's licensing policy, the first buyer must first activate the product, which means that the software is tied to him as a person, to his online account or to his computer. The need for individualization is particularly common in computer games.

No protection for buyers of used software

There is no legal claim against the manufacturer. There is no law that obliges the manufacturer to design its goods in such a way that the software can be used by you as a second or third buyer. If you come across a seller of used software who excludes any liability from the outset, you will have to bite your teeth into it. If, for example, you buy the software and find out at home that it is tied to the original buyer's computer and therefore you cannot use it, you only have slim chances in a dispute. So be careful with platforms like eBay and Co.!

Ultimately, it's up to you as the buyer to research exactly what kind of computer software you want.

Further information on useful topics relating to computers

As you can see, it is always important to be thoroughly informed and stay up to date. When it comes to computers and photography, the c't !

You can currently find a great offer for students at c't : you get the c't 6 weeks plus a gift (e.g. €5 - Amazon voucher) for just €8.25 . You get the editions either in print or digitally - as you like.

And anyone who is interested in photography should definitely not miss out on the c't digital photography offer for students . As a student you can also save a lot here. You can get two issues of c't Digital Photography plus an Amazon voucher for €10 for a total of just €12.90 . Regardless of the Amazon voucher as a gift, you save 35% compared to purchasing c't Digitale Fotografie individually.

So don't miss this unique student offer and grab it at c't !


Pitfalls lurk everywhere in everyday life. It's often the little things that annoy you. Stay up to date with our computer-related article!

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