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Starting a EULA Library
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 09:02:40 AM PDT
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The great paradox about shrinkwrap/clickwrap/sneakwrap license agreements is that the vendors insist we have to read all their terms while at that same time making it as hard as possible to do so. Why can't we have a place where we can read their terms before we buy, or see what others have to say about them? Well, I think we can, which is why I'm starting a EULA library on the GripeWiki.
(20 comments, 643 words in story) Full Story
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What Do the Feds Really Want From Google?
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Fri Jan 20, 2006 at 12:34:53 AM PDT
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I can't help but wonder what the government is really after in its attempt to force Google to turn over user search information from its databases -- somehow I suspect it has very little to do with pornography and a whole lot to do with control of the Internet. So while it certainly raises grave privacy concerns, it might pose an even bigger threat to free speech and other First Amendment rights.
(43 comments, 675 words in story) Full Story
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GripeLog Poll: Looking for the Best Laptop Vendor
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Mon Jan 09, 2006 at 12:06:42 AM PDT
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Who is the best notebook computer vendor? Statistics say that an increasing percentage of laptops are sold by a handful of top manufacturers, but that doesn't mean there aren't alternatives. So to help make sure we all know just what the choices are, and perhaps even keep a few of the lesser known lights around, this week on my website we're going to have a poll looking for the best laptop vendor.
(52 comments, 904 words in story) Full Story
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Unsettled by the Sony Settlement
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Fri Dec 30, 2005 at 12:16:03 AM PDT
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I suppose my expectations for the lawsuits against Sony BMG over its copy-protected CDs are just too high. After all, it's probably too much to hope for that a major international conglomerate would actually suffer any serious consequences just because it irresponsibly inflicted dangerous DRM and an outrageous EULA upon its customers. Perhaps the proposed settlement really is the best that could be expected, but there is something about it that bothers me.
(18 comments, 881 words in story) Full Story
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PCs and Customer Alienation
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Tue Dec 13, 2005 at 12:53:55 AM PDT
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If you're willing to pay a little for a premium-quality, well-supported PC or laptop, which brand name computer manufacturer can you rely on? Well, particularly with Lenovo taking over IBM's PC business, that's getting to be a really tough question. But one thing my gripers will tell you is that, although it positions itself as a premium supplier, Alienware is not the answer.
(43 comments, 1205 words in story) Full Story
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Case Against Zone Labs is 180 Degrees Off
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Mon Dec 05, 2005 at 08:25:55 AM PDT
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In case you missed it, the best recommendation you're likely to see for an anti-spyware product just appeared for Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm Anti-Spyware. And the source of this highly favorable review is from people who know a lot about programs that are up to no good: 180Solutions.
(31 comments, 959 words in story) Full Story
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Sony's DRM Profile
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Tue Nov 22, 2005 at 02:49:54 AM PDT
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You're probably getting tired of hearing about Sony BMG's rootkit DRM, but one central mystery about it remains to be solved. What was Sony's real motive for what many consider behavior that is awfully close to a criminal act? To answer that question I think we're going to need to borrow a page from the criminal profilers by tracking the company's behavior. Fortunately, we have more than one crime scene to help us with our profile, because it so happens that Sony has been employing more than one form of spywarish DRM in recent months.
(66 comments, 914 words in story) Full Story
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EULAs and DRM Make Ugly Music Together
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Thu Nov 10, 2005 at 12:39:56 AM PDT
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You know, I guess we actually have to be grateful to Sony. Without them, who knows how long it would have taken the world to realize what a lethal combination DRM and EULAs can be for even our most basic rights? In fact, with Sony's help, the old threat of electronic self help is now being made palpable for all to see.
(87 comments, 800 words in story) Full Story
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The Lenovo Effect
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By Ed Foster, Section Columns
Posted on Tue Nov 01, 2005 at 12:05:07 AM PDT
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What will become of IBM's legendary support now that its PC business is owned by Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo? IBM and Lenovo insist that nothing's changed, of course. But now whenever a ThinkPad customer has a problem as in today's tale, it's going to be impossible not to at least wonder if it's because of Lenovo.
(63 comments, 736 words in story) Full Story
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