September 20, 2001

10:40 AM

World Domination (the Microsoft way)Included in the Front Page 2002 licensing: "You may not use the Software in connection with any site that disparages Microsoft, MSN, MSNBC, Expedia, or their products or services ... " [link via slashdot]
posted by kd (18 comments total)

Hybris.

Most likely not a problem. People who dispararage Microsoft use better tools anyway.
posted by vowe at 10:49 AM on September 20, 2001

World domination? Come on. Nobody's forced to use crappy software.
posted by dagny at 10:56 AM on September 20, 2001

I saw this article too. Has anyone seen the actual EULA to verify they actually say this? I didn't beleive it at first and would like to hear from more sources.
posted by borgle at 10:58 AM on September 20, 2001

dagny:

what about all the people whose workplace only has microsoft word, or excel, and you really haven't a choice as to whether or not you can use some other software for the same task?
posted by moz at 10:58 AM on September 20, 2001

Nobody's forced to use crappy software.

I am. Where I work, we've spend the last two days reeling from Nimda, our whole network trashed. My boss tells me ‘we have to stay with Microsoft because the learning curve [of Linux, for instance] would kill our business’. So, for those of us who are stuck working for idiots because we need the money, yes, we're forced to use crappy software.
posted by kd at 11:03 AM on September 20, 2001

So... you are implying that Microsoft prefers the dominant position while other companies are submissive?
posted by ari at 11:08 AM on September 20, 2001

Next thing you know it will be illegal to use IE to view sites that 'that disparages Microsoft, MSN, MSNBC, Expedia, or their products or services?'
posted by DragonBoy at 11:12 AM on September 20, 2001

Please note that the EULA requires only that the LOGO not be used on webpages that disparage Microsoft. Keep in mind, however, that the logo is also prohibited from being used on webpages that speak innaccurately about Microsoft. Ergo, no usage of the logo is allowed.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 11:13 AM on September 20, 2001

If your office uses Windows, the this is not an issue of control on the consumer. Your business makes these decisions for you.

However, a home computer WILL change over time, especially for folks who like to open up the case and tweak around. This creates fundamental problems with the new activation code policy.

Also, no one likes background processes PERIOD. Ultimate control freaks like to see a process list with the following: 1. system, 2. GUI, 3. this process list console. And nothing else.

At best, Microsoft is prompting further development of Linux and perhaps even OS X on Darwin/Intel. The only true lock they have is with the Office Suite and Outlook... very nice, very well thought out (but crappily coded) office tools, true enough. But there is a limit to what a person will endure before seriously considering CorelOffice, StarOffice, or even KOffice.

For me, no system of mine will exceed Win98 or Win2000. The only problem will be running games, and a few enterprising fellows are already working that out.
posted by linux at 11:28 AM on September 20, 2001

Please read. In the same Slashdot thread, no less.

Talk about people with religious fervor.
posted by owillis at 11:33 AM on September 20, 2001

The only reason I use Microsoft stuff is because it was *ahem* free. I mean, it's of course fully licensed in compliance with the strictest of Microsoftian licensing madness, it was just...a gift, ok?
posted by kd at 11:42 AM on September 20, 2001

Let's end this debate about XP activation being required when you change your hardware.

Paul Thurott says "Microsoft has changed the reactivation requirement to at least six hardware components, as long as a NIC is installed in the machine (i.e., users will be able to change at least six hardware devices in such a machine before XP requires a reactivation)" Also OEM and Corporate versions won't require activation.
posted by riffola at 11:45 AM on September 20, 2001

Hybris?
posted by briank at 11:47 AM on September 20, 2001

Big deal. I am an editor and I trash them all the time in my articles, written with FrontPage 2000, thank you very much.

Wow. I feel so rebellious, I think I shall eat a flag...
posted by adampsyche at 11:56 AM on September 20, 2001

I think that was supposed to be "hubris".
posted by Steven Den Beste at 12:24 PM on September 20, 2001

6 components....hmmm. right now, I have a lovely little computer, which I'm thinking about upgrading the following components:

-video card
-NIC card
-cpu
-motherboard
-CD -> CD-RW or DVD-ROM
-power supply

that would be 6, wouldn't it? (and what if the first motherboard, or whatever, isn't quite what I wanted, so I uninstall it & install something else.)

but I'm not doing anything that would be considered "piracy" - because I'm keeping the exact same hard drive, with the same programs & OS on it. I'm not copying it to another drive, either within my household or outside of it.

bleh. I want nothing to do with XP.
posted by epersonae at 12:43 PM on September 20, 2001

"hubris" means overreaching pride. usually, it describes a tragic flaw in attitude that leads to a character's/individual's downfall.

so quoth the english teacher. ;)
posted by ronv at 1:16 PM on September 20, 2001

"and what if the first motherboard, or whatever, isn't quite what I wanted, so I uninstall it & install something else"

No problem. You have something like 14 or 30 days before the re-registration is needed anyway... so if you were to change your video card every day for a two solid weeks testing and discarding options WPA is just fine with that.

When you are all done making yor changes, if the alterations exceed six new components then for more than 14 (or 30?) days you will need to let WPA connect with Microsoft and update.

So far, there is no indication that there is a limit to the number of times MS will let you do that without problem.

Generally speaking, this is simply a non-issue for 99% of those who use a computer. For the remaining 1% this is a small inconvenience as a technical matter.

Now, how much it pisses you off politically is another matter, but the technical burden is small.
posted by soulhuntre at 2:30 PM on September 20, 2001