Most of us have done it I guess. We get a new software program, or sign up for an Internet service and up pops a screen detailing in lengthy legalese what we are agreeing to. It is called the "License Agreement" on something like it. We are offered a button to click. It says, "I have read and accept these terms."

Now tell the truth. Do you always read everything in this document? Or, do you quickly scroll down to the bottom and click "I Agree" without reading the document you've just accepted? I bet most consumers are like me… we are in such a hurry to get the benefits of this new software so we click "I Agree" with an under-the-breath "whatever" attitude. We don't have time to read legal agreements--we want the practical use of a product as fast as possible.

If these companies really wanted us to agree with their fancy lawyer-written statements shouldn't they made it clearer, or easier to understand, or shorter? Even a summary would help--like, "I agree to buy new editions of this software every year through Bill Gates' life or you can sue my pants off." I read several of these statements as I prepared this column--and I can't figure out what they mean anyway. They are confusing and worded for some group of people beside me. So, like many consumers, I just click "I agree" and get on with my life.

I've never had a problem doing this. I've used software and Internet services for years -