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| How Computer Software reflects your Character |
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I've had a rather interesting day to say the least. I purchased the Microsoft Windows XP Upgrade for an old computer that was still running the (now) unsupported Microsoft Windows 98 OS (operating system). I really had no intention of upgrading the OS but the newest Norton 360 all-in-one security software that I purchased a few weeks earlier to put on up to three computers (it is a 3-user license) is not compatible with Microsoft Windows 98. And if you are wondering why I did not purchase the Microsoft Windows VistaOS Upgrade, my old computer's hardware (400 MHz computer speed with 256 Mbytes of RAM) was not compatible with the "latest and greatest" Vista OS. Not a factor in my case but it is interesting to note that CNet's benchmark tests showed the older XP outperformed the newer Vista from Microsoft.
Now if all of that sounded complicated or was confusing, that's why most folks just buy a new computer system when their old jalopy starts to lag behind technology and starts performing poorly. And if you are not computer savvy with both the hardware and software, you might be better off doing just that or at the very least have a professional computer guru do any "upgrades" for you. It will potentially save you a lot of headaches. In my case, it took 8 hours and 30 minutes to get the new OS up and running on the old computer. And I still have to set up all of the customized user profiles that I am used to and re-install all of my programs. So as to not bore you with the remaining details of why the upgrade became a full installation that required formatting the hard drive and all; let's just say it was not totally "plug-n-play" with my antique equipment. LOL
But what I really wanted to point out in all of this is what I've been thinking about today.
A lot of folks "ridicule" me because I will not allow any unlicensed software to touch my computers. Sure I've spent a lot more $$$s than some of my friends on computer software.
But what does the software say about you?
Yes, I'm not sinless nor am I perfect. But I do like to at least set an example. After all, when a friend comes over that is not a Christian, that person sees Christ through me. Just as much as I would not want a friend to see pornographic material on my computer; I would not want any friends to give me a "copy" of some cool software perhaps retailing for hundreds of dollars. I've had plenty of discussions with unsaved friends, including a few saved friends :eek: , over this question of illegal software. Like anything such as food, gasoline, furniture, etc.; software costs the manufacturer time and money to produce. And like anything such as food, gasoline, furniture, etc.; taking and using that product without obtaining it and paying for it in a legal manner is, well, illegal. Stealing is stealing no matter how you slice it. And it was Satan that came to steal, kill and destroy.
10:10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
I've done everything in my power to stay far away from the enemy's camp.
If you were to have a heart attack before you get to the end of this blog, which camp will you be found in? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? By asking Him into your life and proclaiming that He is Lord, happens to be the only way you are going to end up in heaven. You MUST be in the right camp BEFORE you die. So please, right now, before you go any further, if you have not already, bow your head and honestly admit that you are a sinner. Sincerely ask Jesus Christ to save you. He will.
From there, just ask the Holy Spirit to take an inventory of your life and your possessions. I will admit, He has shown me a lot of places that needed to be swept clean. And believe it or not, I'm still cleaning. I'm convinced that just like "you are never too old to learn something new," you are also never too young to start taking charge of what you do. After all, you are an ambassador for Christ!
With that, I need to get back to my computer update of the new software. Windows XP just downloaded almost 100 updates and is now updating Microsoft Internet Explorer. Maybe by tomorrow morning I can start loading my other applications. In the meanwhile, I think I'll try to catch a few winks.
God bless you all! Dave |
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| To add a comment to "How Computer Software reflects your Character" |
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| November 28, 2007 |
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I admire your intergity Dave.
Jesus gave me a new operating system three years ago. It runs like a champ. There are still a few old applications that apparently need to be deleted. On occasion, they try to get up and running again. I have to go into my task manager (The Word) and kill the process. But the greatest thing about this new OS, is that tech support is always waiting for my call!
Great post |
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| November 28, 2007 |
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Pastor Dave,
Man, I do not envy you!!! Computer problems cause me the biggest headaches of all!! I may look like a geek, but I definitely do not think like one!! (lol) As for pirated software, who does that anymore? I thought it was impossible, with all the fancy ways software manufacturers have of licensing their products. Ok, maybe I don't really know all that much about installing and licensing software, since my gov't job means the "help desk" guys won't let me anywhere near an installation disk! I used to be smart like that though.....
Anyway, the computer restrictions keep me honest. But even on our other PCs, nothing but licensed or free software. (I think.. I don't know what all Lau... has put on them.)
Anyway, fun blog Pastor Dave. Great to see you in action! ~mike |
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| November 28, 2007 |
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Michael,
I like that analogy that you introduced. Thank you very much!
For my sweeping comments, I was also going to reference the verse about what happens to a swept room if you drop your guards and backslide:
12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth [it] empty, swept, and garnished. 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Gotta remember to keep that door closed once you've cleaned the "dwelling." Seven times as much work is required to get everything in order again! :eek: |
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| November 28, 2007 |
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Mike, it was probably in the last month or two but I was offered the "key" via E-mail from a Christian brother that would supposedly fully unlock a very popular software application that was equally expensive. You just download the demo version from the manufacturer's site and then provide any one of the quite a few keys on a list in hopes that the package would unlock to a full feature set. Let's just say that this is a MAJOR problem.
And if anybody is interensted and knows of any individuals, web sites, programs, etc. that enable the unlocking of "keyed" software, you can always report that illegal activity here:
Business Software Alliance
Reporting is not going to be anybody's ticket to heaven but it just might help to lower the cost of just about everything we buy. For every item stolen, somebody actually pays for it; before-hand. Lower theft rates and higher sales numbers will all help the bottom line for all of us. |
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| November 29, 2007 |
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| File sharing a music downloads are areas where too many people can get caught up. Stealing is stealing. Human laws sets degrees of theft, but to God all theft is the same. I know people that may have good intentions but they get angry with me if I tell them I won't burn them copies of my software. I'm sorry, I just don't want to sin against my Father. Shalom |
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| November 29, 2007 |
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You are so right Pastor Dave, we need to shine with His integrity and I would add here music as well. I know I have battled my children over down loading songs off of peer-to-peer sights and try to get them to purchase the CD's before they load the songs on MP3 players. I believe we need to support the artists we enjoy and listen to, as well as the developers of the software we use. Good topic Pastor Dave. We are ambassadors for Christ, or should be.
peace |
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| November 29, 2007 |
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| So if I use open source (like Linux) or a Mac, does that mean I'm a heretic? :) |
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| November 29, 2007 |
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| No, your're a communist :P |
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