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Subject: Re: Windows XP - a privacy issue?

Author: Robert Hyatt

Date: 08:15:41 10/27/01

Go up one level in this thread


On October 27, 2001 at 04:19:47, Christophe Theron wrote:

>On October 26, 2001 at 20:43:14, Tom Kerrigan wrote:
>
>>On October 26, 2001 at 19:12:03, Christophe Theron wrote:
>>
>>>OK, then you definitely work for MS. Most observers mention the need to have
>>>256Mb of memory and a very fast processor in order to run XP.
>>
>>Question the observers. Most memory companies have gone so far as to say that XP
>>will only run well with 512MB RAM or more. Hmm, I wonder why they say that? And
>>if you see an article saying something similar, ask if the author is only saying
>>it because of the noise that memory companies have made. The Register has
>>written a few columns on how much memory XP really needs, and the consensus is
>>that it will perform just fine with 64MB, which I have witnessed personally and
>>consider to be true.
>>
>>>Windows 95 runs on my 386sx 20MHz, and it has only 5Mb of memory. I just have
>>>to
>>>wait a little minute every time I want to open an explorer window. But I swear
>>>W95 works on my 386sx 20MHz notebook.
>>
>>I don't doubt that. But I remember running 95 on a 486/80 (WAY faster than a
>>386sx) with 8MB RAM and it was a DOG when running any more than one program.
>>
>>WinXP will run just fine on any Pentium (including 60MHz) with 64+MB RAM. I have
>>seen it myself running just fine on a P5/133 and a P5/60 isn't so much slower as
>>to make it unusable.
>>
>>>Why should I let a chance to Microsoft to have a look at what's going on
>>>inside
>>>my computer?
>>>
>>>The question "are they going to have a look or not" is totally secondary.
>>
>>By running a Microsoft OS, you are giving MS the opportunity to do that no
>>matter what, whether you like it or not. MS could upload every single keystroke
>>you enter without your knowledge, if it wanted.
>
>
>
>Hey, you finally got it!
>
>
>
>
>>Same for any other operating
>>system you might use.
>
>
>
>Please mention another operating system I could use.

There is an alternative.  I don't run windows on _anything_ I personally
use.  From the laptop I am using right now to post this, to the quad in
my office, to the file servers and firewalls at the office, to the
workstations used by faculty there...




>
>Hint: there is no other alternative.
>
>Still not understanding my concerns?
>
>
>
>
>> The question is not whether or not you're giving them a
>>chance to do it, it's what they're actually doing. And it has been independently
>>confirmed that MS is NOT uploading personal information about you. Just a hash
>>of your hardware.
>>
>>>>I'm the last person to tell somebody to use Windows, but if you don't use it,
>>>>I'd prefer that your reasons be based on accurate information. :)
>>>
>>>Come on. I have seen where Microsoft is taking us over the years, and as the
>>>justice is not willing to stop them, the only way to keep a little bit of
>>>privacy and control over our information systems is to realize what's going on
>>>and to resist.
>>
>>Or just use something else. I don't see why you're getting so worked up about
>>this product activation scheme (which is presumably what you're talking about).
>>Look at it from other viewpoints.
>>
>>1. A lot of the more expensive software requires dongles. Would you prefer a
>>dongle over a fairly harmless/painless "product activation" scheme? Or how about
>>programs that require you to insert the CD every few times you use them?
>>Microsoft doesn't make you do that, either. In terms of copy protection, the
>>product activation scheme is not as bad as many alternatives in use by companies
>>that you would probably consider less evil than MS.
>>
>>2. If MS does not take actions within their means to prevent piracy, it becomes
>>legally very difficult to prosecute pirates. In effect, our legal system is
>>_forcing_ MS to do something in the vein of product activation.
>>
>>I often enjoy reading your posts a lot because I think they are very well
>>thought-out, balanced, and objective, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
>>If you really believe in all this Brave New World, Orwellian sort of stuff about
>>Microsoft, you are free to go live in the woods and send letter bombs to people.
>
>
>
>If I express my concerns so loudly it is precisely because I do not opt to live
>in the woods and act as you say.
>
>It beats me to see how the sheep tries desperately to protect the wolf.
>
>Stockholm syndrom?
>
>
>
>
>    Christophe



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