Now I understand that the Question is is tricky

as we are looking for options which do Not (because of except) counter the objection to the argument.

Conclusion: germans are pirates.

Objection: germans are not pirates for xyz reason

Counter: No germans are indeed pirates for abc reason.

We are looking for options which do not do not counter( not necessarily support) i.e is can do anything other than counter.

So in the light of the above they can again be objections. making A, B and D contenders as well.

A is citing a possible explanation for the observed phenomenon that could form a reasoning for the objection and perfectly fits the category of EXCEPT counter the objection. however, because of the word "few" we can imply that it possibly does not offset the disparity between programs and number of computers.
B says there are a few non commercial programs. Now even a single non commercial program can be used by many computers. why is this not a valid contender? please explain
C-the correct answer does not talk about the programs.
PLEASE EXPLAIN.

Have you transcribed this correctly? Pl check.

magnus opus wrote: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 computer programs 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.

OA is c

To counter an objection means to support the conclusion. The question stem indicates that 4 of the answer choices will support the conclusion of the argument. We're being asked to find the exception, the answer choice that doesn't support the conclusion.

Answer choice C: Some Germans purchase computers outside of Germany for use in Germany, and such purchases were counted in the survey.
This would explain why the survey found that there were more computer purchases than software purchases, invalidating the conclusion that software was being duplicated illegally.