<CT> Re: Our Rights

  • From: GLENNRPH@xxxxxxx
  • To: calmira_tips@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 14:39:40 EST

Hi Group!

I don't post many messages to the list, just love to read.  One error I would 
like to point out in your "logic" regarding forcing MicroSoft, or ANYONE for 
tht matter, to release an aging product as freeware/free goods, whatever, is 
simply this...MS owns the property rights to MS DOS and MS Windows...period!  
Just because a particular version is no longer being updated or supported 
does not mean that product is "public domain".  If we, as users of Win3X, 
"demand" this "right" (??), then we as users of automobiles should also have 
the same "right" to demand that auto-manufacturers release into public domain 
the specifications, plans, etc. to "obsolete" makes and models.  Computer 
software, operating systems and hardware are all covered by the same 
copyright protection laws as automobiles.  To finish this up, WE DO NOT HAVE 
ANY RIGHT TO DEMAND OF ANY MANUFACTURER TO RELEASE THE SOURCE/SPECIFICATIONS 
OF A PRODUCT SIMPLY BECAUSE THAT PRODUCT HAS REACHED "X" NUMBER OF YEARS 
POST-MANUFACTURER RELEASE DATE.  We do and can petition MicroSoft to release 
source to obsolete products, however, I would not expect a favorable 
response.  In case any of you are not aware of this fact, please keep in mind 
that MS WIN9X series evolved from the MS DOS/Win3X operating system, and the 
PC must still "boot up" into DOS first.  This is being changed in the Win2K 
line, and the forthcoming XP OSes.  I could continue, but I think I've made 
my point...I as a user of Win3X or Win9X actually do not OWN the operating 
system, only the license to its use.  Read your EULA (if you have one).
To unsubscribe, send a message to listar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx with
"unsubscribe calmira_tips" in the body. 
OR visit http://freelists.dhs.org



Other related posts: