Dear Microsoft...

Dear Microsoft,

I have to use Outlook 2000 at work. It's what they supply me with. So, when it bombs, and it does bomb from time to time, I don't bother to report it anymore. Why? Because your "fix" for the product is to upgrade to the next version. How about fixing problems, instead of replacing them?

Fuck you. Love,

Bill M.

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Dear Microsoft,

I keep Windows Update running because it saves me time, but as you know I exersize the option to not install some updates. "Windows Genuine Advantage", for instance.

Here's how Windows Update works: I click "Custom Install", then I uncheck "Windows Genuine Advantage" because I don't want your vir--- sorry, that particular update --- on my machine, then I click "Continue". Your dialog box pops up with "You will not be prompted again for this update" and I click OK. Strangely, though, when the next updates are ready, the WGA is back in the list.

I paid for my version of Windows.  I have the receipt.  There's nothing to gain by assuming I'm a criminal. I just want the freedom to change my hardware configuration and add/remove software without worrying that I'm going to mess up whatever half-baked copy-protected-paranoid scheme you insist upon forcing through the American consumers' collectively clenched - though tragically captive - jaws.

You can stop offering me the WGA. Really. I don't want it. I tell you this every damn time you offer it. I don't want it now, I won't want it tomorrow, I'm not going to want it e-v-e-r. 

Hey, while I'm thinking about it, have you checked out Xandros? Or Kubuntu with Wine? Just asking.

Love,

Bill M.

Dear Microsoft...

Dear Microsoft,

I have to use Outlook 2000 at work. It's what they supply me with. So, when it bombs, and it does bomb from time to time, I don't bother to report it anymore. Why? Because your "fix" for the product is to upgrade to the next version. How about fixing problems, instead of replacing them?

Fuck you. Love,

Bill M.

---

Dear Microsoft,

I keep Windows Update running because it saves me time, but as you know I exersize the option to not install some updates. "Windows Genuine Advantage", for instance.

Here's how Windows Update works: I click "Custom Install", then I uncheck "Windows Genuine Advantage" because I don't want your vir--- sorry, that particular update --- on my machine, then I click "Continue". Your dialog box pops up with "You will not be prompted again for this update" and I click OK. Strangely, though, when the next updates are ready, the WGA is back in the list.

I paid for my version of Windows.  I have the receipt.  There's nothing to gain by assuming I'm a criminal. I just want the freedom to change my hardware configuration and add/remove software without worrying that I'm going to mess up whatever half-baked copy-protected-paranoid scheme you insist upon forcing through the American consumers' collectively clenched - though tragically captive - jaws.

You can stop offering me the WGA. Really. I don't want it. I tell you this every damn time you offer it. I don't want it now, I won't want it tomorrow, I'm not going to want it e-v-e-r. 

Hey, while I'm thinking about it, have you checked out Xandros? Or Kubuntu with Wine? Just asking.

Love,

Bill M.