Ethical / Legal question

[mikerickson]

A while ago, I downloaded a file from the MicroSoft site, "Excel 2004 AppleScript Reference". I also saved the URL. Currently, they have changed the content of that page and I can't find that file available for downloading.

So, I have this PDF and two quandaries:

1) Is it legal for me to give someone a copy?

2) Is it ethical?
On one hand, MS was giving it away to the public for free, that's what I'd be doing. On the other hand, MS is (apparently) no longer giving it away.

Any thoughts?

 

[VoG]

Hi Mike.

It seems to be still available - direct link to pdf http://download.microsoft.com/downl...AAB7-AC9166B25632/Excel2004AppleScriptRef.pdf

 

[mikerickson]

Thanks.

 

[shg]

IMO, notwithstanding that is is still freely available on the web, you should provide a link, not send the doc, because MS specifically enjoins you from doing so:

... no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation.

 

[mikerickson]

That's what I'll do.