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MS Seeks Patent For Repossessing School Computers

Posted by kdawson on from the what-were-they-thinking dept.

theodp writes "Microsoft has applied for a patent for 'securely providing advertising subsidized computer usage.' The application describes how face-recognition webcams and CAPTCHAs can be used in schools to ensure that computer users are paying attention to ads, and the recourse of 'disabling or even repossessing the computer' if they are not."

11 of 299 comments (clear)

  1. Ja? by TinBromide · · Score: 5, Funny

    you vill look at ze ads und you vill vant to punch out ze celebrity? ja?

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    Is it sad that I am more likely to recognize you and your posts by your sig than your name or UID?
    1. Re:Ja? by Hoi+Polloi · · Score: 5, Funny

      Please master, I'm trying to hit the monkey as fast as I can!

      --
      It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains. The stains become a warning
  2. Why advertise to someone by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful


    who can't afford a 100-200$ computer ? what are you going to sell them ?

    of course the solution is simple in regard to children, simply forbid advertising of any kind that is directly targeted at a minor

    people who prey or exploit kids need help, 9mm help

  3. Timely? by Ixne · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This patent application was filed at the end of 2005... why is it just now coming up?

  4. Carbonated Beverages and Behaviour Modification by purduephotog · · Score: 5, Insightful

    A diet pepsi costs the following- can you match them up?

    1) $1.00
    2) $1.25
    3) $1.39

    with
    A) Work Vending Machine
    B) School Vending Machine
    C) Grocery Store

    If you said 1-B, 2-A, and 3-C, you're Right!

    What does that mean? Exploit the students. Get them addicted to soda, (We called it 'coke' where I come from and for good reason), profit insanely at their completely disposable income, and they'll continue to provide for you the rest of your corporate career!

    This patent is sickening. Schools currently use IE, but as they switch to ad-blockable content (anything available for IE) then there is SO much profit-potential lost it's absurd.

    We (I and several other individuals) mentor about 30 HS students. It is TRULY amazing how much their minds are like sponges- and how easy it can be to inadvertently modify their behavior. An unkind word, a stern glance, and the next thing you know they want nothing to do with that topic. It's insane. The mentors themselves end up having to walk this twisted line of professional dedication (our backgrounds) and playing psychologist ("How does that make you feel").

    Let's face it- the whole point of this is about money, and cash is king. The brains are just too wired for this behaviour (Nestle's Chocobot hour) to be anything but profitable thru very specific programming.

    They'll get the patent..... and it'll be up to us to fight the intrusion into the school. Here's a hint- it'll be over a decade, nice and slow, thru 'gifts' of OS and computers...

  5. Try the Pavlov method by edwardpickman · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wire up the chair and every time they look away give them a shock.

  6. Go 'way by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny
    We're having fun here. Go away! Shoo! Shoo!

    Besides, the article is so stupid it should be modded off topic.

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  7. Re:um, no? by mfh · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The problem I have is that this is a whole other spin on 1984. If the local school board, for example, gets free computers, but in exchange for their free computers, students are forced to look at advertising, or lose the computers, then a conflict of interest triangle exists between the schools, Microsoft and the student body.

    Teachers are supposed to be teaching a fair and objective view of history. Microsoft is supposed to be making money any way possible, like any good organization. Students are supposed to be thwarting any possible system to the bitter end.

    So the students whip out the same magic marker they used to thwart the CD DRMs of yonder age, and they mark the cams so that MS thinks they are using them.

    I hate Microsoft, and now it's official. I was actually on the fence prior to this Slashdot article. Now my mind is made up! ;-)

    Thanks Slashdot!

    --
    The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
  8. Obligatory Simpsons quote by Garabito · · Score: 5, Funny

    Skinner: We can buy =real= periodic tables instead of these promotional ones from Oscar Meyer.
    Krabappel: Who can tell me the atomic weight of bolognium?
    Martin: Ooh ... delicious?
    Krabappel: Correct. I would also accept snacktacular.

  9. I always thought ... by manastungare · · Score: 5, Funny

    I always thought Windows machines were already possessed by the Devil.

  10. Re:Schools with no money. by fourchannel · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Not directed at you, but I fucking care.

    If we treat education like some service, optional, profitable, exploitable, then we will eventually get degredation over time, and the quality of education will drop. With that, the investment in the school will drop, and what do you know, education fucking drops some more.

    Education is the only thing (technology is derived from the knowledge education provides), that separates our society from those of the primative past. If we treat education as anything but the highest concern, then we have failed our ancestors to learn from the past and prevent the problems of the past from manifesting now.

    So, yes I fucking care.

    BTW, I was ranting, but I'm not mad at the parent or anyone in particular.

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    ---FourChannel---