I can't believe that there aren't some Linux buff out there who can't help these guys

[Kzin]

Microsoft, the world's richest software company, has told a Geelong charity group, PCs for Kids, that it must stop distributing the secondhand computers it recycles and gives to poor children until it can obtain licences for the software they carry.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/nation...XAPVFU2PC.html

[CiberTHuG]

Hey, Linux is free.

'Course, you would have to find someone to set up the computers, and someone to teach the kids how to use them. I would be willing to help, but... where and when? It's charity work. If I were independently wealthy....

Regretably, the Open movement is still a "help yourself" kind of venture.

[Kzin]

Originally posted by CiberTHuG
Hey, Linux is free.

'Course, you would have to find someone to set up the computers, and someone to teach the kids how to use them. I would be willing to help, but... where and when? It's charity work. If I were independently wealthy....

Regretably, the Open movement is still a "help yourself" kind of venture.

Yes that's the problem - I though - yeah I'll copy some Linux & Staroffice CD and send them - but then I thought - they need local help support and installation . . . so

[HarryW]

*Sigh* That's just awful. I mean for crying out loud what could Microsoft possibly gain from that action? The only possible outcome is that they shut down the charity's operation.

They should be ashamed, honestly.

[Kzin]

Originally posted by HarryW
*Sigh* That's just awful. I mean for crying out loud what could Microsoft possibly gain from that action? The only possible outcome is that they shut down the charity's operation.

They should be ashamed, honestly.

They are cracking down really hard on 'low level piracy' at present - public schools in the US ae also being targeted as well as small businesses and home users.

[siyan]

Thats pure *****.

I can happily say that I don't remeber the last piece of MS software I actually paid for.

-C

[chrisjk]

As much as it sucks, this charity are breaking the law and, although not ethically, legally they are entitled to.

[parksie]

We paid for Windows 2000 and Windows 3.11 - they are the only pieces worth paying for. Granted, 2000 doesn't work on mine, but it's solid as a rock on my dad's PC

MS have enough money that I'm sure they can be ethical for once in their miserable existence, but I suppose they can never change

[HarryW]

Chris clearly they are infringing Microsoft's copyright, but they are not denying Microsoft anything by doing so. They couldn't pay for the software anyway. All Microsoft achieves with this action is depriving those that benefit from the charity. Perhaps they just want to set an example and show that they really are complete heartless bastards with no morals.

"Look to your donors" my arse. Why doesn't Microsoft donate the bloody software?

[Kzin]

Originally posted by siyan
Thats pure *****.

you mean that you think that they are not cracking down and that you'll always be able to pirate as much as you like from them?

[HarryW]

I can't think of anything I want from them that I haven't already got, so as far as I'm concerned they can crack down as much as they like. I wouldn't use XP if it was free.

[Kzin]

Originally posted by chrisjk
As much as it sucks, this charity are breaking the law and, although not ethically, legally they are entitled to.

Yes - and its probably also a problem with borderline cases who might have bought the software but if they see it given away to some will think it's everyones right - but this is always the problem with charity/vagrants etc. You've just got to make a moral decision. I notice Bill Gates refers to other billionaires "frittering away" their fortunes on charities which gives the general idea .

In the case of any OS or apps company the obvious thing to do is to let charities/third world or poor schools etc buy old versions for just the media and admin cost and cover the whole thing (splashscreens/wallpaper/screensavers) with "donated by the wonderful people at Microsoft/SuSE Linux etc" type slogans (including on any hard copy/executables/html produced etc). If you are truly needy then you will be pleased to get the stuff regardless and to acknowledge your benefactor - if you think its an outrage then you probably need to buy it yourself )

[siyan]

Originally posted by Kzin


you mean that you think that they are not cracking down and that you'll always be able to pirate as much as you like from them?

Umm..M'kay...

"Hey guys! We're big and rich and powerful! Lets go and oppress a charity!!"



-C

[filburt1]

Windows Me came legally with my Dell . Then I formatted the drive and put my legitimate *cough* copy of Windows 2000. I may use such software, but I don't distribute it.

[SurfDemon]

About 6 years my dad and I started to get the company we worked for to donate all it's 600 Windows 3.11 licenses to the local schools after we bought Windows 95 for all the machines (An option to "upgrade" was not available at the time).

It was eventually blocked by some snotty personel directory as she claimed we would be legally liable to support it... what a load of bollocks. She was just being plain nasty.

The same individual stopped us donating p.c.s to local schools as we would be liable if any of them went on fire It makes you wonder. Mind you, before she got her hands into the scheme we did manage to get about 80 odd 486's out to local schools, they were most grateful.

SD

[Kzin]

I asked SuSE Linux and they said that it was fine to copy and forward their distros in these cases. This is the follow up that I got from Pc’s for Kids

Hi Kzin,


Thank you for your email. The show on ACA is the 1st time we have gone National on this issue - However I can tell you that it is reported in 26 countries around the world and this shows our loyal team that its a moral issue to say the least.

Your comments have been echoed to all associated with our vital community driven project.

Over the next few weeks we will respond to the comments noted within your personal email – The overwhelming support shown by all who voiced their opinion shows the world is very understanding.

Linux is one option open to the Pc’s for Kids project – There are many who voiced this to be a strong issue – Our assistants are trying to make this happen as I write and this new wave is a whole new learning curve for us all. If you have any packages that can suit our listed systems please duly advise?

Our project has 3 main products we distribute to kids:

1. 486 SX Machines 8MB and 300 HDD (These go to assist Rotary in their Donations In Kind Project to Pacific Islands)

2. 486 DX Series with the 16mb and a 420 HDD (We send these to very young children to the age of 10)

3. Low End Pentium 75 / 90 / 100 / 120 / 133 / 166 these have a full package provided – CD / 16MB / 850 HDD Min / Sound / and 56.6 Modem. (This is our most requested and addresses 100% of most children needs)

If you have Dos 6.22 with Windows 3.11 or Windows 95/98 with Reg Books laying around or other parts or items that can assist – we invite your donation.

(Microsoft) MS is in our schools and kids understand this very well – Our concern is support needed in many locations should we be forced to alter our systems OS.

These Q&A will be raised when the time comes – But we must face and stand up to MS – For the issues that the Press reported and other key factors.

Let’s face it – What we did was not LEGAL and Microsoft will not take this matter into account on past acts – But in the eye of the public we are a Charity trying to assist our next generation. If the big boys want to tackle a charity for the sake of Greed and starve the Less Fortunate Children then we ALL have problems.

If you want to E-Mail Mr. Gates please be our guest (We know this works) [email protected]

We write this reply to you and call it “Freeware” please feel free to post it and let’s all let the Big-Boys understand that we do care.

This is another heavy handed attack on another charity in NZ (Story Below)

Thanks again,

COLIN
Kind regards,

Colin Bayes (President / Founder) Pc’s for Kids Inc.

[email protected]

http://www.pcsforkids.org