MICROSOFT SET TO SELL ADS IN ERROR MESSAGES
REDMOND, WASHINGTON (AP) -- Microsoft today announced that will begin selling advertising space in the error messages that appear in Windows XP. Pointing out that the typical user of Windows unavoidably encounters numerous error messages every day, Microsoft has decided to take advantage of these opportunities to display advertising messages. While initially to be limited to Microsoft products, Microsoft stated that they expect to ultimately sell space with pricing based upon the specific error message and the frequency with which that error message is displayed.
"We estimate that throughout the world at any given moment several million people are staring at a ‘General Protection Fault’, ‘Illegal Operation’ or any of a number of other Windows error messages or warnings," stated a Microsoft spokesperson. "We will be able to generate significant revenue by including a short advertising message along with them." Also under consideration at Microsoft are plans to add banner ads to the terminate and stay dead "Blue Screen of Death".
The United States Department of Justice reacted to the Microsoft announcement by indicating that they intend to immediately investigate whether Microsoft is gaining an unfair advantage in reaching the public with this advertising by virtue of its semi-monopolistic control over Windows error messages.
with thanks to http://www.msjokebook.com/sample.htm who also have this gem...
Q. How many Microsoft technical support staff members does it take to change a light bulb?
A. Four. One to ask, "What is the registration number of the light bulb?", one to ask, "Have you tried rebooting it?", another to ask, "Have you tried reinstalling it?" and the last one to say, "It must be your hardware because the light bulb in our office works fine ..."
