PJA> Microsoft sees original disks as a license to pirate these days. PJA> (They've come a long way from the days PJA> when the virtually gave dos away).
Well... this is how I install a system (regardless of Win or Linux or whatever): Boot from CD, delete all partitions and preinstalled anything, then set up and format partitions the way I want it (sorry to say that, but preinstalled systems just doesn't work for me), install OS, then programs. Usually I create a separate partition just for swap, preferrably on a separate disk. (One thing I hate about Windows - it doesn't have a 'swap type' partition. The best I can do is to set up a partition file that spans an entire partition and is fixed size. I did this with Win2k and XP, system on one drive, swap on another, it really improves performance.) So to make a long story short, I want my system to work as I intend it, not the way some manufacturer preinstalled it. If I don't get the setup CD, I won't buy it. PERIOD. Btw, right now I'm planning to build a new PC, I'll buy all the components (carefully selected) and assemble it myself. Being a professional programmer, I want total control over my PC. But I think every customer has his right for that. I understand M$'s wishes to stop piracy, but this is not the right way to do that. Another point: I used to have a dual boot system (Linux and Win), and really like that. I have an idea how to achieve this without setup CDs, but it is simply a pain in the ***. Attila
