Open letter, to whom it may concern, in Microsoft

Microsoft Corp, jointly founded by Bill Gates, has had its days as the top IT company which made him at one time, the richest man in the world. He is known for his philantrophy when he donates regularly to charities. Even Warren Buffet likes his way of charity management, and would let him manage his contributions.

I can understand Microsoft as a company is a separate entity which has to make profits for its shareholders, of whom, Bill Gates is just one, though the largest. Is there anyway which he can influence company policy to allow users of outdated computers using dated softwares to continue without harassment?

I happen to be a parent who has a personal belief in 'waste not, want not' which is useful to the general good of conservation of nature. If even the use of handkerchiefs to avoid use of paper tissues can help in preventing logging of forests, I am sure if more people (likely to be old folks like me, or those who have no choice because of poverty) would continue using used computers handed down by their children, then there will be less computer junk which has to be disposed off.

When computers are purchased, they come pre-loaded with Windows operating systems, a pre-requisite which helped in Microsoft earning billions. I have three notebooks: two Twinheads and one Acer which were left behind after my children upgraded to newer models. They were bought from authorised dealers who pre-loaded them with Window XP, an already out of date system. Somehow, the original CDs for re-installation went missing after so many years of use. Yet, I find Microsoft seems relentless in making things difficult for users like me, treating me like the usual users of pirated software.

I wish Microsoft would go easy on those who are still using dated Windows, even if they are in doubt about their authenticity.
nk