The OS, BIOS, etc., software one needs to get a system running or to troubleshoot it should be very thoroughly documented on paper and be provided without extra charge with each system or software issue sold. Otherwise, we each have to buy two computers with CD-ROM drives and modems or we won't be able to operate, upgrade, or restore our systems. The high-end applications programs could go to on-disk software manuals, with paper manuals available at a reasonable profit to the manufacturer (no sense in giving the "Dummies" people a totally free ride,) but not be exclusively issued on CD-ROM. Online manuals are all right, but there should never be exclusively online manuals (Micros..t, are you listening?) because phone service in many places sucks and makes this form of tech help even less HELPful.
Geez, Louise, everyone's on NSA's case. Rumor mill inside the Beltway sez NSA was ready to go along but it was the FBI that was holding up this necessary change. Go figure. Betcha NSA broke 512 bit dual key big-time (i.e., in bulk) years ago and didn't tell anyone.... Any takers? If Commerce put this change to the EARs out "For comment" and you like it, a favorable comment _to_ Commerce would be appropriate.
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The OS, BIOS, etc., software one needs to get a system running or to troubleshoot it should be very thoroughly documented on paper and be provided without extra charge with each system or software issue sold. Otherwise, we each have to buy two computers with CD-ROM drives and modems or we won't be able to operate, upgrade, or restore our systems. The high-end applications programs could go to on-disk software manuals, with paper manuals available at a reasonable profit to the manufacturer (no sense in giving the "Dummies" people a totally free ride,) but not be exclusively issued on CD-ROM. Online manuals are all right, but there should never be exclusively online manuals (Micros..t, are you listening?) because phone service in many places sucks and makes this form of tech help even less HELPful.
Geez, Louise, everyone's on NSA's case. Rumor mill inside the Beltway sez NSA was ready to go along but it was the FBI that was holding up this necessary change. Go figure. Betcha NSA broke 512 bit dual key big-time (i.e., in bulk) years ago and didn't tell anyone.... Any takers? If Commerce put this change to the EARs out "For comment" and you like it, a favorable comment _to_ Commerce would be appropriate.