[NTLUG:Discuss] Open, free choice -- and Windows XP/ Passport

[greenglow484@juno.com]

All --

We are about to see an orgy, in the press, of publicity about the Windows
XP OS.  We will hear of its many wonderful new features, and how it will
turn computing into an "incredible experience", and about how it will
offer "incredible adventures" to its users, and the like.

The open-source, free (speech, and beer) nature of Linux includes  the
freedom to use it, or not; to use various pieces of software, or not; and
to do with your PC and system as you wish --  on the Net, and on your
server and desktop.

Windows XP, and its bundled authentication/ security service, Passport,
have been fairly-extensively criticized in the press:  For security
concerns and for privacy concerns, both.

I recently had the occasion to pass along, to a family member, some
information I've been seeing recently on CNET --  hardly a Linux-loving,
nor Microsoft-hating, organization.  CNET is, I believe, pretty widely
accepted as a trustworthy, reliable source of computing news.

If you -- or a family member, friend, business associate or the like -- 
are interested in some of the problems with Win XP/ Passport which other
folks have observed;  or if you know of someone to whom this info might
be useful, following are some links:

"Mission: Domination of the Internet
 ..... 
"If there is any doubt about Microsoft's determination to expand its
Internet  strategy through Windows XP, consumers may be reminded of it no
fewer than  five times as soon as they try the new operating system...." 
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-201-7501958-0.html 


"Privacy group attacks Windows XP, Passport" 
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-6886386.html 


"Privacy terms revised for Microsoft Passport" 
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-5508903.html?tag=mn_hd 


"Microsoft pushes Passport in Windows XP ..... Windows XP may be
Microsoft's  passport to trouble." 
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-6343275.html?tag=bplst 

Best to all.
-- 
  Douglas D. Darnold 	Principal/ Attorney 
  LAW OFFICES OF DOUGLAS D.  DARNOLD 	 <greenglow484 at juno.com>
  P. O. Box 12461	Dallas Texas  75225-0461 	Voice: 214-368-0068 
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