[mdlug] OT: No BSA in Linux

[Robert Meier]

> Robert Adkins wrote:
>> Garry Stahl wrote:
>>> Bob Dion wrote:
>>>   
>>>> Do you have a receipt for that software?
>>>>
>>>> http://advantage.hanleywood.com/default.aspx?page=article355
>>>>
>>>>   
>>>>     
>>> Better yet, ditch all windows.
>>>
>>>   
>>     If that was only possible...
>> 
> Anything is possible... if you are willing to work at it.

Ditching all Windows, is easier than either deleting spam or
	 repeatedly rebooting and re-entering into an application
	 that crashes.

  o My mother and father have been Windows-free since before 1999.
    (Neither are very computer literate,
     nor tolerant of applications that don't work.)

  o When I did my 2001 year-end backups on my dual-booter,
    I found that without intending to,
    I had not booted into Windows during calendar year 2001.

I recommend the following 5-step program.
  1. Find a buddy, someone nearby, willing to help you for a month.
     (You can probably find one by asking on this list.)
  2. With your buddy, make a list of the problems you want to solve,
     and a list of your fears.
  3. Have your buddy (or you) install linux on a second disk.
     A. Install openoffice and other applications you might use.
     B. Make your windows data folders (e.g. MyDocuments) visible to linux.
     C. In bios, set your windows disk to unbootable.
  4. Go cold turkey for a month (use linux for everything, and no windows)
     A. Realize, that if you choose, you can switch back to Windows
        after 30d, but not before.
     B. Realize that after 30d, you won't have solved all your problems,
        but you will have solved some.
     C. When you need help, ask your buddy.
     D. If you slip, don't worry about it, just move your decision day,
	one day further away each day you are less than windows-free.
  5. After 30 successful days, review your list of problems and fears
     with your buddy, and decide.

Reporting,
-- 
Dr. Robert J. Meier