At one time, kamamer@zot.io.org (karl mamer) wrote:
>CreepingDeath <tstroud@pop3.frontiernet.com> writes:
>> Theres something inherently wrong with Microsoft Internet Explorer... I
>> mean, a money grubbing company like Microsoft, led by whoremonger
Bill
>> Gates, giving away a browser for FREE???? There has to be something
>> behind all this...If anyone knows about any strange happenengs while
>> using IE, please contact me.
>Indeed. Well, first the browser scans your system for unregistered
>software and transmits this info to MS. That's pretty obvious.
>But, get this, it also scans your HD with an intelligent bot
>looking for child porno. Right now it just scans text files
>and your newsrc file but they're working with Digital/Alta
>Vista and Abobe to parse gif and jpg files.
>Armed with this knowledge MS will email out
>"hard disk reports" listing unregistered software
>and other suspect files. The implied threat is
>if you don't turn over a heafty fee to MS plus
>a fine, they'll go to the cops with evidence
>of this illegal material.
The simple truth is that it's a loss-leader. MS is willing to lose money on the
web browser in hopes that people will use it, like it, and then buy other MS
products. In theory, and often in practice, the money made on other sales far
excedes the money lost on any given lose-leader.
I don't know if this has worked for MS or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if
it did (they do make a lot of quality software -- and yes, some non-quality as
well).
Kent