Status of Cryptography Research in implementation of the EUCD

[Graham]

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On Thursday 15 Aug 2002 10:09 pm, Owen Lewis wrote:

> Well, you are right. We do not agree. I point only to the success of
> 'closed box' software, large and small, and rest my case.

Fair enough; we do not agree.

I would only say that if no home computers came with any operating=20
system and the customer was given the opporunity of formatting the=20
partitions and installing Windows, he would see how difficult it was. =20
And then if the customer wanted to change some configuration, how could=20
he do so without referring to the people who won't expose their=20
software to public gaze?

>>And if I, as a home user, can't use the home computer I
>> have legally bought in any way I want for any legal purpose because=20
>>of a user agreement that forbids the way I use the software, it is=20
>>immoral and should be illegal.
>
>You did not have to buy it if you did not like the terms. Buy someone=20
>else's product or make your own. It really is that simple.

It isn't that simple.

It was pointed out to me the other day that the reason PC-World,=20
Curry's, and Dixons supply only Microsoft based computers is an=20
agreement with Microsoft that they will supply ONLY Microsoft products. =20
That is probably the case with most manufacturers/retailers (Novatech=20
in Southampton is one such).  I have rung around several manufacturers=20
seeking to buy a Linux system without success.

If you read the EULA from Microsoft for Windows 98, I am forbidden even=20
to remove it from the computer!  This is not a level playing field, and=20
it has become so to protect the interests of the few over the interests=20
of the many.

Despite that, it is the sharing of knowledge and the wide user base=20
which shares and exchanges that knowledge and enables people to=20
contribute to the whole that's important.  I would like to see=20
consumers have the choice which they currently do not have, and the=20
ability to be part of a community.

That's where we differ.
- --=20

Graham
GPG Key ID: E935DB9D

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