Re: Microsoft Monopoly [Re: 7 Questions To Ask A Laptop Salesman]

BillW50 (BillW50@xxxxxxx) wrote:
Richard Bonner typed on Thu, 8 Jan 2009 12:39:27 +0000 (UTC):
BillW50 (billw50@xxxxxxx) wrote:

Richard Bonner typed on Thu, 1 Jan 2009 01:09:44 +0000 (UTC):
*** Non MS-DOSes have since the 1990s. Before that, disc encryption
was available for most operating systems.

You mean after that? Even if it is after, I don't remember that.

*** No - before.


Or do you mean like PKZIP and the alike?

*** PKZIP is a file compression standard that anyone with PKUNZIP
or a PKZIP-compatible reader can expand or view. I use it everyday to
add to compressed archives. These constitute my backups and are readable
from decades ago till today because the PKZIP standard has remained...
well - a standard. (-:

What I had meant was encryption of a files so they cannot be read/used
without a key. An example DOS program from the 1980s that comes to mind
is Borland's "SuperKey".

An article that I have not been able to read but that was recommended
is Adi Shamir's 1979 "How to Share a Secret". He devised a method of
shared "keys" as a way to encrypt data that requires several inputs
(usually each from a different person) in order to decode the data. The
number of people involved actually varies the encryption method.

Another, less secure way is to password protect files, directories or
drives. I use it for some things on my main work computer. It is adequate
for the level of protection required.


As much as I *love* DOS, it just can't handle the tasks I need to do.

*** Fair enough. For me, it runs my business and all my personal
computer chores. My only major wish is for DOS drivers for newer
scanners.

Yes I can see that! Although you don't need any updated DOS
applications?

*** Can you give some possible examples?

My 1990s AccPac, 1-2-3 and WordPerfect have more than enough features
to run my business and do personal things, too. Nothing has changed in
bookkeeping (really for hundreds of years) that requires anything newer. I
do have New Deal Office, but rarely use it for much.

I use NeoPaint for almost all my graphics work and photo manipulations;
Sea or PV are used for photo viewing; QuickView Pro is my media player. My
main DOS versions are DR-DOS 7.03, and as a secondary shell, 4DOS 7.97.
The latest version of the latter was released just last month.

Internet is handled with Lynx via a shell server, and Arachne, if I
need a graphic viewer.

I have way too many utilities to get into here, but suffice to say,
they can do things most don't even know are possible in DOS - and some of
them are from the 1980s!

Those of you not familiar with modern (and even old) DOS may wish to
check out:
http://www.chebucto.ca/~ak621/DOS/DOS-Fal.html


Nowadays OEM Windows of Windows costs 40 bucks and you get both
Windows and DOS. Which is a hell of a deal if you ask me.

*** You don't get DOS. What is provided is a DOS-like command line,
which Is not the same.

Well I mean with Windows 9x (including ME) you got Windows and DOS.

*** Yes, but Win 9x is not sold new anymore. DOS is not available from
Microsoft, to my knowledge, unless it's a decades old version. Links to
new DOSes may be found at:

http://www.chebucto.ca/~ak621/DOS/Websites.html#Alternate


When I had Win 95 and later, 98, I cursed them because they constantly
interfered with DOS, and subsequently, my work. In 1999, I issued:

DELTREE /Y C:\WINDOWS

...and have never looked back. (-:


*** I am not familiar enough with the EEEPCs, but ihere in Canada,
major PC retailers only sell Windows. Staples was selling Linux
distros but was extorted by Microsoft to stop.

That is silly to buy them anyway since they are free off of the web.

*** Not all of them are, but regardless, people are willing to pay for
systems with everything set up and ready to go. I see no problem with
that.


I don't know how Microsoft could stop them anyway.

*** Here is part of a post from a Canadian newsgroup from 2007. I
didn't ask permission, so I have clipped the header and poster ID to
reprint it here.

As I understand it, MS has agreements that OEMs get some kind
of benefit from offering only Windows on every new PC. If they
offer Linux, or some other OS, they forfeit that benefit, which
may be either (a) better pricing for large quantities of the
Windows OS, or (b) the ability to sell the Windows OS at all...

I've heard from several business owners who were told by MS that
if they put competing OSs on Any of their PCs, they could lose
their license to install Windows entirely... which (if accurate)
would leave them in a rough spot, not being able to sell the OS
most people want.


But who cares?

*** The consumer should. They are limiting choice.


You can get Linux from other places anyway. I can't get a Coke at a
Wendys (fast food) restaurant either. As they only sell Pepsi. That is
how businesses work.

*** Sure, but Pepsi does not go around to all the other restaurants and
threaten them in a way that could put them out of business.


How close are you to the US border? Close enough to buy there?
--
Bill

*** An eight hour drive, one way, to Bangor. It's not worth it:

Travel, Hotel and Food Costs
Unfavourable Currency Exchange
Duty and Taxes
Warranty that requires that I ship or take it to the U.S.

Even so, I don't want Windoze anyway, so this is a moot subject. (-:

Richard Bonner
http://www.chebucto.ca/~ak621/DOS/
.

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