Free Linux and OpenOffice - even if your email address doesn't

Actually, I have a _lot_ of HP computers, going right back to their first desktop computer, the Model 30 calculator (HP9830). I have HP calculators older than that, of course. Heck I use an HP handheld calculator all the time. And yes, I have schematics. Yes, I have the ROM sources. It doesn't bother me that the latter are often stamped 'NOMAS -- Not Manufacturer Supported -- Recipient agrees not to contact the manufacturer' I am quite capable of reading and understanding them on my own. _Escatly_.. Let's go back to the comment that started this debate. I make no secret of the fact that I run linux. I considered what was important _to me_ in an OS : availability of the source code -- not necessarily open-source, a source license I could afford would be acceptable; the fact that I prefer a good CLI to a GUI; that it would run the software I need (a C compiler, TeX/LaTeX, etc) and so on. And I concluded that linux was the best choice _for me_ so that's what I run. Now, I don't think it's the best choice for everyone. Other people have different requirements and desires, they end up with a different OS that suits their needs. So? Waht's the problem? IT's the same with many other things. I don;'t suppose many people, buying a new car, would have the same requirement top-of-the-list as my father did recently. Namely that the official workshop manual had to be available. But it was important to us. -tony