[OT] Software patents

[Condon Thomas A KPWA]

> I've always wondered what the discussion on software patents 
> is about. 
> Now I've found an illustrative example, recently filed by a Redmond 
> software company (US-Patent Nr. 6,775,828).
> Quote from
> http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HIT
> OFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6,775,828.WKU.
> &OS=PN/6,775,828&RS=PN/6,775,828
>
> "Delayed uploading of user registration data
>
<SNIP>
>
> Ingenious!

Only in that it insures that the user, computer and software (and any other
info it is programmed to retrieve) are registered in big brother's DB and
convinces the user that the process that is always running has a valid
reason to be there.  I'll keep hitting the "Register Later" button, thanks.
Or refrain from using/buying software that requires registration.

As to originality and prior art, I consider this only an extension of the
handshaking that goes on when two computers talk to each other.


In Harmony's Way and In A Chord,

Tom  ;-})

Thomas A. Condon
Proud Member of the Kitsap Chordsmen
Registered Linux User # 154358
You Can't Catch A Virus From Plain Text Email!