On Thu, 31 Jan 2002 21:51:17 -0500 Kenneth Alan Boyd Ramsay <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2002, Ben A L Jemmett wrote: >> > NetWare is also capitalized. >> Irrelevant, <snip> All of this is irrelevant. It all depends on context. If you are just referring to a type of software, then you do not capitalize whatever you call the type. If you are referring to software produced by a company named NetWare, then the word *must* be capitalized because it is a proper name. Similarly, it is perfectly acceptable to generically refer to any highly concealable single-shot or multi-barrel pistol as a "derringer", regardless of who manufactured it. Capitalization is not to be used in this case. If, however, you mean to refer specifically to a pistol manufactured during the mid-19th century by Henry Derringer of Philadelphia, then the word *must* be capitalized, because the word as used in this context is a proper name. It is perfectly OK to use a non-capitalized form of a proper name when you are referring only to a generic type or class, as in the case above, or in the case of "diesel" engines, for example. The word "diesel" is derived from the name Rudolph Diesel, the name of the inventor, designer, and developer of this kind of engine. You do not capitalize the word in writing about an engine of the type unless you are referring specifically to an engine manufactured by a factory founded by him and bearing his name. Sam Heywood -- This mail was written by user of The Arachne Browser - http://arachne.cz/ To unsubscribe from SURVPC send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with unsubscribe SURVPC in the body of the message. Also, trim this footer from any quoted replies. More info can be found at; http://www.softcon.com/archives/SURVPC.html
