New York Times Q&A brings up a good question. How do I know if I'm buying an illegal copy of Microsoft Windows with my new computer? (A pirated copy as some monopolists like to call it.)

Well, to be sure there are no pirates (or other vermin) inside your computer I'd suggest that the very first thing you do is to remove Microsoft Windows from the computer. Instead there are a number of Free Software operating systems available such as those based on GNU and Linux. In fact, you can download Ubuntu Linux at no charge. And Ubuntu Ship-It will even mail you complimentary CDs at no charge and they even pay the postage. Seriously, this isn't a trick. Once you have Ubuntu installed you have access to over 17,000 Linux applications at no charge. No ads, no gimmicks, no hassle, nothing but software.

But if you decide that you want to place yourself at the mercy of a twice-convicted monopolist then you can use their convenient Windows Genuine Advantage to turn yourself in...err, I mean validate your copy of Microsoft Windows.

Labels: linux, windows