steven n fettig's Jitterin' Thoughts

    As I was going through today's news, I came across the following article at news.com:
Symantec Adds Product Activation
I just went through a bout of dealing with product activation and Microsoft Windows XP that lead to me sending the product it was installed on back to the supplier. It made me quite sad. Over the past few years I have thoroughly enjoyed IBM's ThinkPad laptops. I have owned a total of three 770ED's and have prepped countless others for family members and friends. Unfortunately, after two reinstalls (of the OS) and other problems - and over 30 minutes on the phone with Microsoft to reactivate XP twice - I got sick of the process. I understand what draws companies like Microsoft and Symantec to add product activation into their products, but as a consumer, it is horrible. It is like having to call GM any time I make changes to my Tahoe in order to be able to continue driving the vehicle. This is nothing short of ridiculous if you think of the time involved in doing this - especially when it is part of a troubleshooting exercise.
    I think the idea of including product activation into software is a bad idea. I understand it, but it is still a bad idea. I hope to God that Apple doesn't come up with the same brainstorm. And save us if more companies think this is the next best thing. My advice, please notify those companies you do business (software- and hardware-wise) with what you think. I just wish I could find the link to contact Apple on their website... that's another story.