newbie question about stealing software

[jimdagys]

Many people just want a simple one click solution to backup any kind of DVD. But it seems that because of patent rights, one software cannot contain all the useful things to do this job. Then suppose a hacker "stole" all the best parts of many kinds of software (for example, Nero for burning, Tmpgenc for encoding, etc.) and created a new software and then posted this software everywhere on the net so that everybody could get it free. Let's just say the name of this software is called "Freebie DVD Copy". Since this software is composed of other copyrighted software, according to the rules of this forum, is it permitted to discuss or even mention this software? Which then makes we wonder if such a software has already been created, or will be created in the future.

[celtic_druid]

There are already apps that support burning via Nero. No need to steal any code. There are also apps that use TMPGEnc as an encoding engine. Once again no need to actually steal it.

[sacajaweeda]

Check out DVD Rebuilder

[TooLFooL]

is this soft ware using parts of freeware or payware? big difference.

[greymalkin]

is this software application the work of....

john z. delorean?????

[lordsmurf]

Plug-ins and APIs. All I have to say.

One piece of software would never work. Just look at how much crap they tried to cram into Windows (or even OS X) and look how crappy most of it works compared to tools made for a certain task. The volume of code required for such a piece of software would be prohibitive for it to run with any sort of bug-free quality or speed.

[thecoalman]

Then suppose a hacker "stole" all the best parts of many kinds of software (for example, Nero for burning, Tmpgenc for encoding, etc.) and created a new software

In your example it would copyright infringement, I'd assume this falls under the warez category but I'm not a mod and can't make that determination but don't see anyway that it would be acceptable. The only case where this would not be deemed copyuright infringement is if the software included in the package wasorigianl or released under the GNU license or something similar.