As far a software is concerned, Microsoft is not selling software.
Also Microsoft is not renting software.
Although the detractors often attempt to spread this misinformation to
the ignorant.

Microsoft sells a license to use the software under terms agreed to by
both parties.

If you choose to ignore the other options I suppose you will feel
there is no choice.
The people that use Linux for one will disagree with you when you say
there is no choice.
Many of them are quite happy with the operating system.
Many people use Open Office and are quite pleased.
There are no options for those who choose not to see.

You are not forced to buy it at all.
Whether to buy or not is a CHOICE each buyer needs to make.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote in message
...
OK if you want your ludicrous example.
If Chiquita put a restriction on the use of their banana, you
would
have a choice to agree or buy from another source.

They *can't* put a restriction on bananas. They were really worried
about
that when they thought that banana peels, when smoked, would get you
high,
thanks to Donovan's Mellow Yellow.

Same with Microsoft or most any product.

Again, I ask you, is MS selling a "product"? I don't think so.

The manufacturer sets the terms if any.
If you do not like the terms set, buy another brand.

The "other brands" do not have a monopoly on computer software. In
effect,
the manufacturer is forcing us to buy his rental of a product.

Alias

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote

The manufacturer of a product has a right to control the usage
of
their product.

Are you sure it's a product we're buying?

Seems like we are buying the right to use something, not
ownership
of the
product. Gosh, that's almost as sneaky as stealing windows from
Apple.

If you do not like the terms, buy from someone else.

Unfortunately for MS, there are other choices, be they using a
pirated
version if you can't afford the priveledge of using the
"product" or
go with
an open source OS. One can only hope that the alternative OSs
can
not only
force MS to lower their prices and loosen their restrictions but
motivate
them to put out a better product.

Your comparison with bananas is ludicrous.

Bananas are "products", are they not? Can you imagine Chiquita
Banana suing
someone for not using their bananas correctly?

Alias