The Support Group for People Used by Microsoft

Twelve Step Program

The 12 Steps
  1. Say a daily mantra
  2. Identify harmful effects
  3. Update your signature
  4. Research Microsoft
  5. Join campaigns and organizations
  6. Replace Windows
  7. Replace other Microsoft software
  8. Boycott Microsoft
  9. Express your opinion on your website
  10. Write letters
  11. Convince others to boycott Microsoft
  12. Contribute to alternative software
Don't Be Used by Microsoft
Don't let Microsoft dominate your life. Follow this 12 Step Program to achieve a Microsoft-free existence. While it may not be possible to achieve 100% freedom from Microsoft, any measure of it is a Good Thing.

Microsoft can only be stopped by a concerted effort of computer users that are sick of being used. The Justice Department lawsuit can only, at the most, bring a small level of relief. It is up to you to vote with your pocketbook and your voice. Help put a stop to the Microsoft monopoly. Follow the 12 Step Program.

Step 1. Say a daily mantra

Repeat the following to yourself every day:

Microsoft will not dominate my life. I will not let Microsoft use me. I must strive to meet the all-important goal of a Microsoft-free existence. I can do it!

Step 2. Identify harmful effects

Identify all of the ways Microsoft has used or exploited you. A small sampling of possibilities:

In order to solve a problem you need to fully identify it. Knowing all the harmful effects Microsoft has had on you will help you to overcome them.

Step 3. Update your signature

Vent your spleen about Microsoft by adding a line such as this to your news and mail signature:

Note: No Microsoft programs were used in the creation or distribution of this message. If you are using a Microsoft program to view this message, be forewarned that I am not responsible for any harm you may encounter as a result.

Step 4. Research Microsoft

The Internet and your local bookstore or library have a wealth of information about Microsoft. Visit other anti-Microsoft websites to see what others think about Microsoft. Take a look at the court documents filed by Microsoft, the Justice Department, and by other plaintiffs. Read some of the many books that have been written about the Microsoft situation.

The popular media is often biased for or against Microsoft. It is better to research the facts and draw your own conclusions and instead of relying on the conclusions made by pundits with dubious agendas.

Step 5. Join campaigns and organizations

Show your support by joining anti-Microsoft campaigns and organizations. Some possibilities:

Step 6. Replace Windows

With quality open source operating systems like Linux and FreeBSD available, there's really no reason not to try them. Confine Windows to a single (preferably small) partition on your hard drive and install a competing operating system in another. You could also buy a commercial alternative like BeOS or OS/2. See Yamoo's list of alternative operating systems.

Step 7. Replace other Microsoft software

Gradually replace all the Microsoft software you own with alternatives, preferably running on non-Microsoft operating systems. Most Microsoft applications have comparable (if not better) open source or commercial quivalents. See Yamoo's alternatives page for some starting points.

Step 8. Boycott Microsoft

In addition to removing Microsoft software you already own, refrain from making Microsoft purchases in the future. Don't upgrade any of your Microsoft software. Don't buy a computer with Windows pre-installed. Boycott Microsoft's media ventures (MSN, MSNBC, Hotmail, etc.). In short, don't give Microsoft any of your money. Vote against Microsoft with your wallet.

Step 9. Express your opinion on your website

If you have a website, use it to express your feeling about Microsoft. Provide links to anti-Microsoft campaigns or websites that you support. Promote alternative operating systems on your page.

You could also create a separate website to share your opinions about Microsoft. Add your site to the Anti-Microsoft Network, Yamoo, and other link pages.

Step 10. Write letters

You can write to:

When composing letters, be polite yet assertive. Present facts in support of your claim. Don't use statements like "Microsoft sucks!" Zealous advocacy and blind hatred are also not recommended.

Step 11. Convince others to boycott Microsoft

Many schools and employees require the use of Windows, Office, and other Microsoft "solutions" on their computers. The people who make these decisions ("Pointy Haired Bosses") are often unaware of the hassles in administrating and using these products. Try to convince them that alternatives are a better solution. You should have quite a few good arguments to use: alternatives are cheaper (just compare Linux and Windows NT), more secure, more stable, easier to administer, and can run on older hardware.

Also use word-of-mouth to inform others about Microsoft alternatives. Microsoft uses a gigantic marketing machine to get people to use their products. Alternatives (especially open source) don't have this luxury. They rely on word-of-mouth and advocacy. Every person that you convince to try an alternative is one less person used by Microsoft.

Step 12. Contribute to alternative software

Open source software relies on contributions from users. Right now the biggest complaint against alternatives (especially the free Unices) is the lack of native software (as compared with Windows). If you have programming skills, write your own software for these platforms, or help to improve existing programs.

If you aren't an accomplished programmer, you can still contribute. You can write documentation or maintain websites. You can beta test software. Alternative software needs your help to grow and thrive and to, ultimately, thwart Microsoft.


THE SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE USED BY MICRO$OFT
Make the hurting stop. Boycott Microsoft!

[ Home ] [ Anti-MS Network ] [ Yamoo! ]


© Copyright 1998-99, James S. Baughn (webmaster@i-want-a-website.com)
This page's URL is http://i-want-a-website.com/about-microsoft/twelve-step.html.
This page was last updated on August 27, 1999.