I began using computers in the late 1980s. My first computer was a TRS Color Computer, known as the CoCo 2. I had a lot of fun writing simple programs and saving them on a cassette tape. Later on, my son gave me a used 286 loaded with DOS. I bought ‘DOS for Dummies’ and learned to do a limited number of operations. Then I got a copy of Windows 3.1, which provided me with a lot of fun and study.

In about 1996 I paid $25.00 to a medical library for a used IBM PS2 (286, MCA, 10MHz bus) complete with all peripherals. It was built like a military tank and large enough that I could sit on the floor and study it without much back bending. It had two hard drives, each big and heavy and almost the diameter of a dinner plate. Their capacity was only a few megabytes. In about 1997, I bought a used 486 with Windows 3.1 and a modem and I timidly learned to go online. Then in 1999 I finally got a used Pentium 233 and Windows 98SE. I’ve upgraded my computers several times since then but I still use Windows 98SE (in 2006).

You purchase a license to use it. It’s not yours. Back in 1997 I bought my first box of software utilities, took it home and started installing it. Then I read the entire EULA. It made me so mad that I wrapped the box and sent it back to the developer for my money back. I would not agree to the mandatory End User License Agreement. I bought it; it should be mine. The EULA said I could only use it if I complied with many restrictions. I did not agree. I soon found that all software for Windows applications has similar restrictions and I have to comply, cheat, or quit.

I’m grateful to the software developers who offer free utilities to non-commercial users. That’s the only way many of us can get them. I, and most of the people in my circle of friends and family still use Win98SE. So long as it works I expect we will continue to use it. Why don’t all of us upgrade to later Windows versions?

One reason is that we don’t have the disposable income to rent the use of someone else’s software. Highly paid executives of wealthy companies don’t realize that even $100.00 is a big chunk out of a working person’s or retired person’s monthly income. Should we buy necessities or buy computer software? I can’t recommend spending several dollars for new software to a person whose income barely covers living expenses.

Another reason I don’t upgrade Windows is that I’m a rather independent person. I stopped asking mamma for permission to play when I grew up. I abhor the idea that I can’t do what I want to my computer any time I want and as often as I want (which is frequently) without having to tell mamma Microsoft that I’ve done it or give up the use of their rented operating system. Since I don’t use XP I don’t have personal experience but I’ve read many accounts of how Microsoft intrudes, such as the following about XP’s ‘Windows Product Activation’ found on:

http://labmice.techtarget.com/windowsxp/Install/wpa.htm
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"What you need to know about WPA
There are a few things that aren't readily apparent in the documentation that you should be aware of:
1. You have 30 days from the time you install XP to activate it. If you don't, you'll be able to boot the PC but won't be able to launch Windows without first calling to activate XP.
2. Microsoft will only authorize a maximum of three activations in the first 30 days that you own the product
3. Microsoft will authorize a maximum of eight activations for a product (Although we've heard unconfirmed reports that this has been raised to 11 activations)
4 If you reach the activation limit, you will be required to purchase another license if you wish to continue using the product
5 Reinstalling Windows XP on the same hardware generates the same product key, so the above doesn't affect you. You can reinstall Windows XP an unlimited number of times on the same hardware."
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Another good source of complaints about XP and Microsoft is:

http://www.computergripes.com/windowsxp.and.me.html

In the case of repairing a computer that has an OEM version of Windows XP (I won’t mention any brand names – there are many), the purchasers don’t even get a CD with XP on it. It comes with "system restore" which will eventually result in paid calls to the OEM’s tech service or the purchase of a standalone XP CD.

So in 2003, I decided to learn Linux and share inexpensive or often, free software, with everyone who wants to use it.