Software Treasure Hunt

Step 1: Common Applications
Ask participants to try to find the version number of the applications that you have listed in the left-hand column of the matrix.
•Some participants will be able to find version numbers, but others will need direction. If they are running Windows, you can instruct them to open ‘Add or remove software’ from Windows Control Panel or to open the program and find the version number under the “Help” or “About” menu.
•Have participants call out their version numbers one at a time.
•Leave the operating system for last. Ask participants to open Windows Update and find the date of last update. Add that to the matrix.

Step 2: Suspicious Applications
Ask participants to open Add or Remove Software (Control Panel->Programs->Programs and Features).
•Ask participants to examine it for software they don’t recognize or that have suspicious names (e.g. “SuperSpam-u-lator”).
•Add those programs to the matrix in the far-left “Program” column.
•Make a notation in the corresponding “Reputation?” box in the third column.

Step 3: Pirated Applications
•Ask participants if any of them know of a pirated application they have installed on their PC (remind them you’re not the Software Police!).
•Provide some popular examples – good ones include: Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite programs, NitroPDF, and Adobe Acrobat. Add these new programs to the left-hand “Program” column.
•Make a notation in the corresponding “Licensed?” box in the fourth column.

Step 4: Filling out the Matrix
Looking through the list once again, ask the group to help complete the matrix. Ask where people got all their software? As you review individual applications, use these guidelines:
In cases where the application is FLOSS** (Free/Libre open source software)
•Mark ‘free/open source’ in the License? Column. In cases of suspicious software,** ask the group what they think:
•Who uses the application?
•What was the source for the application?