Excellent comment cc2k, and right on the money. I have personally seen the effects of exactly what you are talking about. It is understandable why microsoft is trying these tactics now though. Very few people actually
need to upgrade their version of office (mod security/bug fixes). Office97 does everything that anyone I can think of wants or needs. The problem is, microsoft thinks it
needs the upgrade revenue stream, so they are trying to use these 'first one is free' tactics to force others to upgrade on microsoft's timetable.
Personally, I stay away from the whole mess. I have not a line of microsoft code on my computer, and I'm quite happy with it.
Peace, my brothers and sisters. I have no quarrel with free software. Can't we all just get along?