[GOPJ]

Old software, no matter how good or widespread its use, doesn’t put money in the bank. This is also why MS are obsessively hounding everyone to go to Office365 which is a subscription service and - again - a steady revenue stream. In fact, attempting to navigate the Office section of the MS site is a nightmare for those who have no interest in the 365 model - of course, this behavior is intentional.

Thanks - I believe you're right on this - insightful.

But now that you shined light on what's happening my concern is that other companies could work to do the same. Honda would love to have the power to tell mechanics they are NOT allowed to repair cars older than 4 years - forcing citizens to buy new cars or risking their lives. Or refrigerators with chips that freeze the motors up after 3 years... forcing citizens to replace something they're happy with... I suspect there's a solution out there or other companies would be doing the same as MS.

[relictele]

I was listening to Dan Patrick, of all people, doing his sports radio show but he touches on many other topics.

He mentioned he had a relative or a friend who worked for an appliance company. That person openly stated that pieces and parts were designed to last no more than 4-5 years and that replacements would be made intentionally expensive and/or greater than the residual value of the appliance itself.

[bgill]

Same with ink cartriges that still have ink in them but won’t let them to be used after x number of printings even if you refill them. $$$$$$$$$$

Hubby doesn’t want to sell his motorcycle but may have to because he can’t find parts for it anymore.