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 Just because a particular version is no longer being updated or supported does not mean that product is "public domain".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