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____/ High Plains Thumper on Sunday 25 Oct 2009 01:57 : \____
> Roy Schestowitz wrote:
>
>> An Amazing Coincidence or Something More Sinister?
>>
>> ,----[ Quote ]
>>> Hewlett-Packard also did something yesterday, albeit very
>>> quietly. HP removed Linux entirely from the part of their
>>> website where they sell netbooks. The day Windows 7 became
>>> available the HP Mi interface appears to have died a quiet
>>> death. A visit to the HP Mini pages reveals that HP is only
>>> offering "genuine" Windows 7 and "genuine" Windows XP. I
>>> also noticed that the HP Mini 110 also sports a new, higher
>>> starting price, a full US $25 more than when I ordered mine
>>> earlier this month. I have to assume the Windows license is
>>> part of the higher price.
>> `----
>>
>> http://ever-increasing-entropy.blogspot.com/2009/10/amazing-coincidence-
or-something-more.html
>
> Yes, it does appear that Microsoft plays a large role in driving
> OEM products in their direction and forcing neglect toward
> competitive offerings to their OS.
>
> Personally, I would like to see PC hardware being offered with
> multiple operating systems, to include Linux of different
> flavours, different types of Unix to include Solaris, BSD-Free,
> etc., even others that have a more specialised market.
>
> This is freedom. However, it does appear that it is desired for
> all other competitors to be extinguished and vanished off the
> face of the earth (reference (Comes vs Microsoft lawsuit,
> Microsoft Evangelism document, PDF pages 45 & 55 on
> http://www.groklaw.net/pdf/Comes-3096.pdf )
>
> Here is something interesting that I found on the HP website, and
> it makes no sense. It does go to show that OEM equipment
> producers must follow Microsoft marching orders:
>
> [quote]
> ALERT! HP LaserJet series printers must be in compliance with
> Microsoft. Therefore, HP has removed the Microsoft USB files in
> Windows 98. The Windows 98 driver is still on the in-box CD, and
> will work with Windows 98 if a HP printer driver has previously
> been installed successfully on the Windows 98 computer system via
> USB. The driver on the inbox CD can be installed now because the
> Microsoft files needed should already be on the computer system.
> Please note: The solution for printing using Windows 98 will work
> as long as the customer has previously installed an HP printer
> via USB on the computer system. We do not have a solution for
> customers that have never installed a HP printer via USB on their
> Windows 98 system.
>
> Background
>
> Microsoft discontinued Windows 98 shipments in June 2002
> respectively.
>
> HPâs Windows 98 driver discontinuance is directly related to the
> fact that there is no longer Microsoft resources allocated to
> issue management.
>
> Windows NT4.0 Operating System does not support any type of USB
> install so this will not affect Windows NT4.0.
> Windows ME has MS USB installation files in the operating system
> so there is no problem installing any of our low end printers via
>
> USB on Win ME
>
> FAQâs:
> 1. Can I print to my new LJ printer in Windows 98/ME without a
> printer-specific driver?
>
> Answer: Yes, as long as it has PCL5 capability you will always be
> able to print using HP Legacy drivers with PCL5 capability,
> although you may not have complete functionality of your
> printerâs new features. HP Legacy drivers are previous product
> drivers found both within the operating system, and on a previous
> printer driver CDâs.
>
> 2. If I call the HP call center, will they be able to provide a
> Windows 98 driver?
>
> Answer: No. There will be no further distribution of Windows 98
> drivers.
>
> 3. What if I canât find a legacy driver?
>
> Answer: The only other solution is to upgrade your operating system.
> [/quote]
>
> http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01146100.pdf
>
> Answer #3 is why they are doing it. They want people to upgrade
> the operating system, even if the hardware and current software
> are meeting their needs.
>
> The trolls in this newsgroup would like all to believe that the
> only suitable desktop is Microsoft Windows, even though there are
> other offerings like Linux and Unix which are just as suitable
> with greater stability, viral resistance and greater robustness.
I recently learned from a distant friend that Dell's manual for its printer
(IIRC) contained "open source" FUD. I asked him to scan this, but he would
have to do so at $employer's office.
- --
~~ Best of wishes
Relax. It's only zeroes and ones.
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