Really, now.... OEM software in a box sold with a computer that quite likely has at least one piece of proprietary hardware in it... So, doesn't purchasing the hardware go against everything we "free thinkers" stand for?

We're the hippies of the modern age. Free software, free speech, digital rights. Doesn't sound too different from Free Love, Free Speech, Human Rights, does it? But... The hippies of old were at least strong enough to stand up for what they believed was right from all viewpoints.

There are ways to keep from having to deal with this crap. The same way that all business should work. *If you don't like the product, DON'T BUY IT!* A good example of this is my standpoint on the newest Jeep vehicle. The Liberty. As an avid off-roader, I am well aware of the flaws in the Jeep Liberty as an off-road vehicle. I'm not going to sue them over it, though, I'm just not going to buy it. You can do the same thing with computers. If you don't want a part of the package that comes with a computer, don't buy the computer. Build your own, go to a chop-shop, whatever, but don't whine when you can't get money back on piece of crap software that came with a piece of crap computer. I figure, you're aware of what you're getting when you buy it. Why on (God's/Allah's/Buddah's/Russ Martin's) Good Green Earth would you buy something you don't want????? If you really want that piece of hardware without the bundled software, write a letter to the manufacturer and tell them you don't want the software that comes with the hardware, is there any way to purchase the hardware at a lowered cost without the bundled software? Maybe if enough of us "stand up for what's right" in that respect, some of the hardware manufacturers will catch on and start offering two releases of their hardware. The mickey mouse version with worthless bundleware and the power user version with a slip of paper on the inside of the package that says "You want the drivers? Write 'em yourself, tough guy"

I don't see this as a revolution in the computer world, I don't see it as a step forward. Yes, I believe it is correct. First sale is first sale. If you buy something, you have a right to resell it. You also have a right to a warranty, *UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THERE IS NO WARRANTY* That little piece of work has held up in court repeatedly. So, where should this go? On top of the heap with the rest of the shattered dreams for the open source world. Please forgive me for my cynical view. I'm an open-source advocate myself, but I'm also a businessman, and I understand what will and won't happen with copyright and warranty law in this country. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

-Chris

(e-mail at: yj_jeep95SPAMEATSDONKEY*****@IHATESPAMMERShotmail.com... You should be able to tell which parts to remove)