Use Windows XP? You'll LOVE this:

[Redstone]

It's a translation of the XP EULA (End-user's licensing agreement) that you agree to be legally bound to by buy using the software, translated into plain English.

I especially like the parts that say "Windows XP Home is provided “AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS.” This means they make no claims as to how well Windows XP Home will work." And furthermore: "Microsoft is not liable even if they break the terms of this agreement."

You can read the whole horror story at: http://www.linuxadvocate.org/articles.php?p=1

Disclaimer: All the other software companies are just as bad. Adobe, for example, has started requiring the same kind of obnoxious "product activation" as Microsoft does.

Now you know why I haven't upgraded ONE bit of software in about five years. (Except for the wonderful, essential, and dirt-cheap Graphic Converter from lemkesoft.de - it's shareware, but buy it if you like it, please. It's the best bargain ever.)

I have no reationship with lemkesoft except as a happy customer.

Redstone

[mainegreen]

1. I doubt there's a piece of software that doesn't come 'as is'.

Not that linux isn't better of course. But as a software developer, we do the same 'as is' thing. Otherwise clients would run roughshod all over you with lawyers.

[Redstone]

2. Oh, I understand the financial reality of that.

Here's a little something I invented, if you want to check it out (no downloads or plug-ins required...it works right in the browser:

http://www.onlineassembler.com/MWJdrawdemo/mwjdraw1.html


Redstone

[mainegreen]

3. Ah, business software is so not sexy.

But it sure pays the bills. Nice page. Clean source code underneath too. Easy to read. The demo interface seemed very intuitive, though I have absolutely no clue what any of those cables might do!

I'd show you some of what I work on, but as it's insurance related I'd be breaking to many HIPPA laws, so I can't. :shrug:

[Redstone]

5. Thank you. They're high-frequency cable assemblies used in the

microwave electronics and avionics fields. That's why the extensive list of requirements in the form.

The real cool under-the-hood part is the code that takes the assembled picture and e-mails it along with the form information. that was done by my programmer, and I did the front end.

Too bad I can't see your stuff, but since it's because of a privacy law, I can't complain.

Redstone

[Deja Q]

19. True... but then, why did Microsoft change certain words to 'acquire'?

You know, insignificant jargon like "purchase", "buy", and everything else to imply you have a say in anything because you gave them money for it?

[mainegreen]

20. Because in their mind you have a 'long term lease'!

The bastards!

[flvegan]

4. As for Adobe...

no real need to update, so no real need to register. Rip it and live with it, I say.

I'm going to look into lemkesoft on your recommendation, though.

[Redstone]

6. Graphic Converter is like a Swiss Army Knife and a Leatherman tool

combined for opening graphics in any old weird format you can think of. It's save me MANY times when people have sent me pictures in some bizarre format that hasn't been used (except by them personally) in ten years.

It'll do a fair amount of Photoshop-like stuff as well, but its great utility for me is the number of file formats it recognizes.

Redstone

[flvegan]

7. I'm not going to argue

I'm simply stating that a hijacked copy of Acrobat is the best supplement to Irfanview I can mention.

Gonna look into that program of yours, though. Natch...

[Redstone]

8. I tried to run Irfanview with XP via Virtual PC but it didn't work.

Redstone

[flvegan]

9. Virtual PC

is probably too new for Irfanview to be up on now.

[Redstone]

11. Nah, virtual PC has been around for at least 7 years. The first version

of it that I bought ran Windows 98 (that was before Microsoft bought Connectix).

I'm running XP pro with it now, and believe it or not, it runs faster in emulation on my Mac than it does on most of the Windows boxes I've seen.

Redstone

[flvegan]

12. Right, but

the latest version is pretty heavy from what I've read, and it's not as freeware friendly as it could be.

[ContraBass Black]

14. I hate running anything by Adobe because all of their software leaks.

[flvegan]

15. Well, to them

I'm anonymous, so I'm not concerned.

[Redstone]

17. Leaks what?

Redstone

[ElboRuum]

10. Mmmmkay...

Now go back and read every other EULA you've 'agreed' to and tell me exactly what's different...

[Redstone]

13. I believe I stated that in my original post.

Right after the word "Disclaimer."

Redstone

[ElboRuum]

16. I see... My mistake. n/t

[Deja Q]

18. K&R - most 'philanthropists' would take responsibility for their actions.

K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R K&R

[Yavin4]

21. The Real Fine Print Says - "Using This Product Allows The Devil To

own your soul. Microsoft is not liable for your pain and suffering in the fires of Hell."