A recent survey found that more computers than copies of computer programs were purchased by Germans last year. The best interpretation of this finding is that the practice of illegally duplicating commercial computers is widespread among Germans.

Each of the following, if true, would counter some reasonable objection to the interpretation advanced above EXCEPT:
A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs
B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany
C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey
D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer
E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey
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Best Regards,

Paul

E.

Why is E not giving enough objection?

Let us consider that,
the number of computers purchased = 1000
number of softwares purchased = 800
What did the other 200 do?
Author: They all copied it over illegally.
I: No, they did not copy it over illegally. I can give you justification for the deficient 200.

E: There were 200 others who leaglly copied softwares and this number is accounted in the above 800.
In this discussion, I won't put forth my argument as said in E, since instead of explaining the deficient 200, it just says the 800 software sales above = 600 original purchase + 200 legal copy.


C come close, but gets beaten up in providing the 'some' justification.
C says that 1000 computer purchases = 800 purchased in Germany + 200 purchased outside germany.
C quesions the survey's claim that computer sales was high. It provides objection if 800 software purchases considered were all inside Germany (800 inside-bought computer and 800 software purchase matches).

Will go for Choice D.
All the other choices attribute alternative causes to the observation
A) Few German computer users write their own computer programs
... therefore purchase only hardware and no software

B) There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany
... therefore use only those and therefore will show less software purchases

C) Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey
... Hence more hardware

D) The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer
... This doesn't attribute anything

E) Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey
... The actual software purchase count will therefore be lesser

Hence D

wow this was tough and i am yet to understand.

First post ... this group is great.

I got this one by POE, however I think I can work through - why C? - now.

The question wants to know which one does NOT counter a reasonable objection to the claim that Germans are stealing software. Phrasing the objection for each counter response makes it clear ...

A)
Objection: They aren't stealing they are writing they own software.

Conter: Few German computer users write their own computer programs


B)
Objection: They aren't stealing they are using shareware/freeware.

Counter: There are few free noncommercial computer programs available in Germany


C)
Objection: They aren't stealing there were actually more computers purchased than the survey reflected.

NOTE: This is not a "reasonable" objection. In fact, it is not an objection at all; it supports the argument, making the software to hardware ratio even lower.

Counter: Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey.

D)
Objection: They aren't stealing the survey reflects the fact that most Germans don't have much software on their computers.

Counter: The typical German computer user has several commercially written computer programs on his or her computer.

E)
Objection: They aren't stealing they are using "legal duplicates".

Counter: Many Germans legally make duplicates of commercial computer programs, but such duplicates were counted as purchased copies in the survey

Thomas