Microsoft Settlement

[kzgoda at ctcnet.org (Karen Zgoda)]

Here is the most recent information available to us, as forwarded from a CTC
listserv:

At the web site below there's a very useful set of resources
regarding the recent proposal to settle class action suits
against Microsoft via an agreement that Microsoft would provide
funds, software and nominal cost refurbished computers to schools
with K-12 students more than 70% of whom are eligible for free or
reduced-price meals through the School Lunch Program.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jmm/ms/

Note that Judge Motz has requested comments by the end of the day
Monday, December 3. We have been advised by a consultant working
on the case: "To make sure it is received in time, fax it to
Judge Motz at 410-962-2698 *AND* email a copy to his clerk at:
robert_wolinsky at mdd.uscourts.gov "

IMO I don't see how handing Microsoft a monopoly over the future of
impoverished-school technology, growing consumers via lock-in licensing
requirements, and wiping out established computer recycling centers (further
still, would you trust a refurbished computer from microsoft?) could be
considered a fair and just punishment for illegal monopoly business
practices.  Certainly a nice reward...

...Karen