[Am-info] Windows windows schmindoze

[Gene Gaines]

Taking back the mindspace.

Why do I think and write: "Windows" and "Word"?

Microsoft expropriated them, and I am taking
them back. From now on, these are generic
terms to me.

Those words are mine.  Their use and meaning
were stolen from me, and I am taking them back.

I'll say "Microsoft's windows OS" and "Microsoft
word processor".  I'm going to be careful to
break the habit.  In future, no capitals for
their word.

Besides, "Windows" and "Microsoft" in the same
sentence usually brings to mind the image of
the quarter-moon shaped opening in the door to
my outhouse not too many years ago.

On the other hand, "Lindows" sounds great.

Gene Gaines
gene.gaines@gainesgroup.com
Sterling, Virginia