I think microsoft has stepped over my boundaries in this matter since from what I’ve seen of vista it aims to completely surrender the control of my computer to the redmond folks. So, I’ll use my xp version for as long as I can, then dump it for a suitable linux distro which supports the necessary microsoft applications and then never look back again.

And, from what I’m hearing from the corporate world, they too aren’t too excited about the lockdown features of vista, microsofts aim is to force it’s corporate customers to .. get this, REPORT IN every 30 days or so to validate their number of used clients. Yeah, imagine the response to THAT when it hits the market.

This in combination with some good marketing from some other operating systems manufacturers might make microsoft loose a substantial percent of their current market share, and by the gods, I hope they do. Microsoft needs to be re-educated to the simple truth that if you treat your customers like shit, they’ll buy their stuff elsewhere.

Oh yes, it will.

Do you really think that the most ruthless are going to have your best interests in mind? I’m not talking about just MS here.

P.S. I’ll switch to Linux rather than use Vista.

P.P.S. Since you seem to think they’re so wonderful you might consider sending Microsoft a donation, them being so benevolent and needy and all.

How do you figure that?

Frankly, they’re looking to protect the enormous investment they put into the development and delivery of their product. I can’t blame MS for wanting people to purchase the software they use. There are thousands upon thousands of people that are probably running unlicensed versions of WinXP. Microsoft wants every opportunity to get paid for that use. How can you blame them for that? Say what you will about the tactics they employ, but unless you can come up with a better way, keep quiet.

Their tactics will not push more people to linux. It will only annoy the privacy advocates, and the people looking to get software for free. The average user probably won’t notice anything different, especially since they buy their computers pre-loaded with Vista.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything to hide, but at the same time, I don’t like people snooping around in my stuff, especially not knowing the exact extent of what they’re doing. But I have to give MS credit for at least trying to get paid.

It’s one thing to demand an activation on first sale.
It’s another to have to worry about being accused of theivery
on a regular basis, and have to “prove your honesty” to
Monopolysoft on demand.

Of course, with their monpoly power, they don’t HAVE to worry
about who wants it.

You’ll have it anyway, like it or not.