OT - Re: [Premium-Rx] The History of "Ben Dover"

[Ben Dover]

>Mr. Ben Dover:  like your name.  Any relation to a certain Mr. Hunt?
>
>73 John


Hello John.

The "Ben Dover" bit needs a bit of explaination.

When I first got into IBM type computers, I frequently made use of
software (Windows op systems) that weren't legal copies. To ease my
mind re. fears of the "Microsoft Gestapo" (lawyers alleged to be out
there looking for pirated software users) I filled in the registrations 
on installation under the name "Ben Dover", and used Norton Utilities
to locate the op system serial number and change it to all zeros.

I'm also VERY wary of the personal privacy issues that PCs have brought
to the fore; Ben gives me a layer of anonymity to would-be intruders.

I guess it worked; I've never had a serious inquiry re. the legality of
my op system. Also, I frequently send credit card numbers online for
purchases, and I've never seen a suspicious charge on my card. In the
world of personal computers, I've found that a little bit of paranoia
can be a good thing.


Over the years, new computers and new op system upgrades picked up the
info from that original copy of Windows 3.1 . Currently, Ben Dover has
come in from the cold; at present he inhabits a completely legal copy
of Windows 2000 Pro.

My Eudora E-mail installation also picked up on Ben so he still roves
the servers of the world, as he has for over 2 decades. I've seen no 
need to exterminate him; he is STILL useful in providing clues as to
where spam programs pick up thier information from; he's tipped me off
to an adware infestation that I had for a while.

Only drawback to Ben Dover; occasionally legitimate message recipients
who don't know me have been prone to see the name & discard my messages
as spam. This is rare tho.

Long Live Ben Dover, American Patriot and Guardian of Privacy.  ;o)


Mr. T. , W9LBB