I heard on a math contest the fact that all programs are essentially just big
numbers.  The compiled binary or even the ASCII for the source may ultimately
be thought of as just some really big, unique number.  When you buy software,
they tell you what the number is.

I was just imagining a scifi novel where The Man has complete control over
people's computers and the only way to share software (legally/ illegally) is
to load your car up with bb pellets.  The Man doesn't stop cars and doesn't
think to check for bb's.   Once you get to the destination, you count bb's, and
viola, sofware is shared.

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