Question about buying & downloading software from the Web?

Question

So, I see the convenience in downloading the software just after buying it, but what if something happens, like what if the computer's hard drive breaks down. I'd then have to re-buy it. Any legal way of backing it up so I don't have to re-buy it?

Answer 1

If you are usign service's such as Direct2Drive, Steam or Microsoft MArketpalace( and more than likely many others) your downlaods are linked ot an account, so you cna downlaod it many times ( there is a limit on some or it might use Call home features to check your not downloading it to 500 PC's)

Use a reliable service and chekc the charge it to an account, not per download.

Ive been using Steam for downloads and goen through 2 PC's and several OS re-installs and its jsut a case of redownlaoding it (Though steam includes Back-Up tools which i try to use if its a planned re-install :P)

Answer 2

I think a lot of software purchasing works on a key basis.  Anyone can download the software, but you have to input a product key to use it.  You pay for the key, so you can just download the software again.

Of course, it varies by the software.

Answer 3

I believe if you move the files to another drive, lose your files, and replace the files on the original drive, it'll still work. There is nothing illegal about that as you DID buy it.