Author: Ed Leafe
Posted: 2002-12-23 at 09:05:37
On Sunday, December 22, 2002, at 11:38 PM, Derek J. Kalweit wrote:
> Choice. I shouldn't be FORCED into registering software, or in any way
> contact MS to tell them I bought it. When I pay for the software, I've
> fulfilled my side of the contract.
I agreed with everything you said up until this point. The "contract",
in this case the EULA, is whatever Microsoft wants it to be. The EULA
for WinXP (and Win2K SP3) clearly gives Microsoft the right to alter
your computer's software however it sees fit. While this may include
installing patches to fix bugs or security holes, it may include any
other action, such as disabling Windows Media Player if, say, the RIAA
says you have illegal MP3s. Note that you have no recourse to this,
such as a right to the presumption of innocence or any sort of chance
to be heard. And now, if they decide that you are a "terrorist",
whatever that means, they can install eavesdropping software, or
totally disable your machine.
They are not breaking the law. You are giving them the right to do all
these things when you agree to the EULA that comes with XP and
Win2KSP3. *That* is the contract.
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Ed Leafe