Ransomware (no, not that sort)

Yes, there is malicious software out there that encrypts files on your computer and directs you to a web page where, for a fee, you can buy the decryption key.  Or just restore from a recent backup  (you do make backups, right?)  But that's not what I'm here to talk about tonight.

Closed-source software vendors are holding their customers to ransom.  If you don't buy the latest version of their products, you won't be able to read anyone else's documents if they have upgraded to the latest version.  But what is especially galling is where electronically-identical hardware appliances have features enabled or disabled purely by software.

What I Wore #1

I wore an outfit for work yesterday that just made me feel enormously sexy!  This is me trying to strike a provocative pose over the pool table:

I have decided, I am going to take full advantage of the relaxed Friday dress code to explore sexy ......

Why would you Pay More and Get Less?

Open Source software comes with the freedom to inspect its internals and make modifications, the better to suit the way you work.

Proprietary software usually does not include such freedoms -- and usually has to be paid for.

So, serious question:  Why would anyone choose to pay good money for Proprietary software, when Open Source alternatives are available on so much more favourable terms?