Electronics-recycling innovator is going to prison for trying to extend computers' lives

[SummerMadness]

Electronics-recycling innovator is going to prison for trying to extend computers' lives

A Southern California man who built a sizable business out of recycling electronic waste is headed to federal prison for 15 months after a federal appeals court in Miami rejected his claim that the "restore discs" he made to extend computers' lives had no financial value, instead ruling that he had infringed on Microsoft Corp. to the tune of $700,000.

The appeals court upheld a federal district judge's ruling that the discs Eric Lundgren made to restore Microsoft operating systems had a value of $25 apiece, even though the software they contained could be downloaded free and the discs could only be used on computers that already had a valid Microsoft license. The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals initially granted Lundgren an emergency stay of his prison sentence, shortly before he was to surrender, but then affirmed his original 15-month sentence and $50,000 fine without hearing oral argument in a ruling issued April 11.

 

[Radagast]

He made, and attempted to sell, 28000 discs with the Microsoft Operating System on them. That's quite obviously illegal. Whatever made him think that would be OK?

Authorised repairers that replace hard disks already have arrangements with Microsoft to restore the operating system.

People that recycle computers usually turn them into Linux boxes precisely in order to avoid Microsoft licensing fees.

 

[timewerx]

The system is rigged for people to spend/waste money and "punish" those who provide means to save money.

Because if everyone became much more sensible with how they spend money, the economy will crash... This is how broken our system is.

The love of money will destroy us all.

 

[timewerx]

He made, and attempted to sell, 28000 discs with the Microsoft Operating System on them. That's quite obviously illegal. Whatever made him think that would be OK?

If I remember correctly (that is a long time ago), you can download Microsoft OS for free from the Microsoft website but of course, without the license, it's of much reduced value.

Authorised repairers that replace hard disks already have arrangements with Microsoft to restore the operating system.

That could however seem like a waste of money and a bit of inconvenience when you can do it yourself.

Personally, I only use ccleaner app and make sure there are no apps that isn't necessary loaded in startup. A good security setup helps a lot. I have managed to keep a Microsoft computer running like brand new for many years this way. I don't have to do another OS reload unless something physical broke like the hard drive.

 

[timewerx]

If I remember correctly (that is a long time ago), you can download Microsoft OS for free from the Microsoft website but of course, without the license, it's of much reduced value.

The only problem here is that even if Microsoft OS can be downloaded for free, I'm pretty sure they would have a licensing agreement against re-distribution of the OS whether for free nor for profit unless you're a licensed distributor

I think Eric Lundgren is doing a great thing but....He could have also taken additional steps that wouldn't cost a thing at least for him to make things right and avoid problems with manufacturers.

He could have alternately provided an app that automates Microsoft OS download instead of the whole OS in the disc -- This is also a best practice to reduce the risks of anyone making counterfeit discs with counterfeit OS that can be used to spy on people for example.

 

[timewerx]

Electronics-recycling innovator is going to prison for trying to extend computers' lives

Picture in article link shows his workers in relatively unsafe conditions (seemingly inadequate safety equipment)

Electronic boards contain many toxic substances. Taking them apart is probably as toxic as making them - without adequate safety measures like face masks that uses chemical filters (resembling gas masks).

Innovator's background describes his experience in China where workers are given less attention to safety leading to serious illness....

It's great to help people out.....But we also must realize it's also as important to do things right -- even if it means less profit -- let's not do things as the greedy world does .

 

[Nithavela]

What a monster, I hope they throw the key away.

 

[Radagast]

I'm pretty sure they would have a licensing agreement against re-distribution of the OS whether for free nor for profit unless you're a licensed distributor

Exactly.