[CS-FSLUG] Ballmer Blames Software Piracy on Spendy Hardware

[Alvin Smith]

On Monday 15 November 2004 06:36 pm, Don Parris wrote:
>
> I think MS should lower its price on Windows to @ $5.00 (to cover the
> cost of the CD & shrinkwrap).  That's about all it's really worth in
> my book.  I mean, honestly, you can't do squat with it.  
If we are "honest" we have to admit that there are many important applications 
that happen to run on the Windows platform.
> Think of 
> low-income folks who get a computer with Windows (either used or
> donated).  They can't afford to buy Quicken to manage their money
> with.  They can't afford the tools to learn programming if they so
> desire.
>
> To me, GNU/Linux represents that mythical "even playing field" that so
> many claim to want - at least where computers are concerned.  I can't
> claim the computer has made me rich, but I can say I have learned a
> great deal.  I'm actually beginning to offer half-way sound assistance
> to others these days.  Give me a little more time, and I might even
> qualify for a real job - assuming they aren't all in India.

I have been a computer tech for over 20 years.  Today I do not have a tech 
job.  I am *very* good at what I do.


>
> Point is free software empowers us.  Anyone who desires to take
> advantage of it can do so.  If you want to get out of the slums, and
> your'e willing to put your nose to the grindstone, you can take
> advantage of free software.

Jesus is the One who empowers us.  But only if we accept Him and invite Him 
into our heart.  Sometimes it seems it just comes down to laziness.  People 
are too lazy (they assume that there is work) so accept Jesus.  And the same 
can be said regarding free software.  You can make it free (as in free beer), 
and people will assume that there is work to be done (and there is) and 
reject it.

Only those who are willing will benefit from free software.  Yes, nose to 
grindstone.  Salvation is free, but discipleship costs you everything...


>
> Don

-- 
Alvin Smith