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From: Matt Johnson To: SuSe Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Preinstalled Windows: AARGH! I can't get it off! Date: 07 May 2002 19:24

...

According to a later Register story they have removed this requirment. Apparently what they really ment to say is that people donating machines should donate any OEM software. (Well except in sensible parts of the world, like Germany, where courts have ruled that a PC is simply a bundle of parts, with any OEM software being part of the bundle.)

Yes, I can give away my computer, but remove and keep my sound card, should I wish. I just say "No sound card".

Maybe I missed the point.

-- Matt

The real point is that the M$ software is purchased for a single system - and that once installed, then it cannot be transferred to a different system. Here's some (obvious) food for thought ... I have an 'original' PC clone. It has an AMD Athlon processor, new case & PSU, replacement memory, replacement video card, and upgrade sound card, add-in hard drives, I replaced the 5.25" DSDD floppies with 3.5" HD floppies. The keyboard has been replaced and so has the monitor. In fact none of the original machine exists anymore, but it is an original PC, and therefore I can continue to run DOS 2.2 on it. So just how do we define the boundary between new system and upgrade? (Other than by an arbitrary decision?) Regards, Paul Paul P. Ellison ICT Manager Edgehill College Bideford Tel: 01237 426231 (direct) 01237 471701 (switchboard) Fax: 01237 425981 e-Mail: -------------------------------------------------------------- Legal Advisory: Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, 2000. --------------------------------------------- You are warned that all electronic communications are subject to interception for regulatory, quality control and crime detection purposes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Edgehill IT Department Email Service. Please check sender's address from body of Message for return address. Find us at: www.edgecoll.clara.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------