Comments on: The Economist angers BSA

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Sun, 14 May 2006 01:11:07 +0000

HYPOCRITES!

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Fri, 17 Jun 2005 02:24:21 +0000

IF the BSA were to come to my business or home to “inspect” my network, then I would insist on inspecting their search warrant. If they did not have one and tried to come in by force, then I will make the natinal news. BSA auditors were shot and killed by a ….. If I get the electric chair for protecting my home or business, or am called a “Nutcase” then so be it.

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 10:23:33 +0000

You hit this one on the head. Without running Microsucks, using free open source software, they have no foot to stand on. Many countries are re-examining the need to run Microsucks products in favor of other OS’s such as Linux. Simply the need to audit is removed from the process when they don’t use those products that require substancial investment to buy, upgrade, and maintain.

We won’t mention the that such software is far less likely to contain spyware, get infected with viruses and trojans, or have as many security flaws.

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 05:01:06 +0000

The problem is quite common and costly. A few years back Public Works and Government Services Canada were audited by Microsoft. It cost PWGSC approximately $700,000 of Canadian taxpayer money just for government time/etc to count office suites and operating systems, only to find out they were in compliance.

I strongly believe the only way to avoid the protectionist tactics of the BSA and regional “software manufacturing” lobby groups is to switch away from “software manufacturing” entirely to competitors such as Free/Libre and Open Source.

“Make it legal: don’t litigate, use creative licensing” campaign
http://www.flora.ca/makelegal200403.shtml

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 23:02:23 +0000

OK : )

I thought it might make a story and if you’d like to take this a bit further, you can get me at jon[at]p2pnet.net

Cheers!

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 23:01:11 +0000

…which proves that THEY are thieves !

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 22:23:16 +0000

Actually, It was a few years ago, the letter was from FAST “federation against software theft” see http://www.fast.org.uk/ for the junk they peddle. They have directors who were with BSA. I binned the letter.

They assume everyone is a thief and demand money to prove your’e not.

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 21:14:29 +0000

We’d love a few more details and to see a copy of the letter.

Cheers!

By: Reader's Write

Reader's Write — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 20:59:05 +0000

BSA once sent me an official letter, threatening my business with a spontaneous audit and demanding I join up to their audit scheme for a cost. Made libellous allegation that my companies had pirated software and that they had the right to inspect all of my computer systems.

If thats not BS I don’t know what is……

They would be breaking several UK and EU laws on privacy,data protection etc. etc.

Extortion using intimidation, Al Capone style….