Over the past few weeks I've been messing around with Debian Linux, Slackware Linux, FreeBSD, Windows ME, and Windows XP Pro. I've come to the conclusion that I hate Microsoft, but nevertheless Windows has gotten pretty damned good. I mistakenly tried installing XP once with the product key from some older version of Windows (I'd put the install disk in the wrong sleeve) and called Microsoft to ask why the product key wasn't working. All they'd tell me was that I had to buy a copy of XP (I'd bought two copies, thank you very much!). Later, I installed an SATA drive and did a fresh install of XP. The activation scheme forced me to call Microsoft again, though I had the right product key this time. This time the phone call went smoothly, but all this activation crap is just...fscked. It's enough to make me give up Windows altogether. Racing sims, though, are enough to make me keep Windows installed. [sigh]

The effects of the "PATRIOT" Act in real life:
From the Cambridge (MA) Public Library

I didn't know a journal was included in my /. subscription! I wonder if I'll ever make another journal entry?