San Francisco-There are so many reasons to say no to Microsoft-the blue screen of death, Outlook email viruses, the endless dump of Windows patches, and so on. And yet, with Microsoft owning the lion's share of the desktop market, how can anyone escape the Beast from Redmond and still function? It's not as hard as you think, and author Tony Bove is only too happy to explain how to become liberated in his new book, "Just Say No To Microsoft" (No Starch Press, October '05). As PC Magazine columnist John Dvorak says in his introduction, "You are about to read one of the most interesting overviews of modern desktop computing history that's ever been written."

"Just Say No To Microsoft" is entertaining, provocative, and great fun to read, but it's also packed with practical information about alternative operating systems and programs that will help Microsoft captives exercise their freedom of choice. After tracing Microsoft's rise from tiny startup to monopolistic juggernaut, "Just Say No To Microsoft" chronicles how the company's practices have discouraged innovation, stunted competition, and helped foster an environment ripe for viruses, bugs, and hackers. From there, Bove examines other operating systems, such as Linux and Macintosh, and Microsoft Office alternatives that will keep readers productive and able to interact with their Microsoft-using colleagues and friends without missing a beat.

"The shortcomings and risks of Microsoft products have made tech headlines for years, but many users stick with Windows and Microsoft Office simply because they don't know what else to try or what the alternatives are," said Bill Pollock, founder of No Starch Press. "'Just Say No To Microsoft' is a valuable resource because, in addition to explaining why and how Microsoft does what it does, it offers real alternatives. There's no reason to be a frustrated Microsoft customer anymore."

Inside Just Say No To Microsoft, readers will find:
-The history of Microsoft and its dominance of the software industry
-Thorough discussions of Linux, OpenOffice.org, Macintosh, and other Microsoft alternatives
-Freeware, open source, and other programs that can replace the buggy, virus-prone Microsoft Office suite
-Bove's "12 Steps To Freedom" for kicking the Microsoft addiction and living a clean computing life

A 17- or 20-inch new iMac G5 that includes Frontrow, a remote control system.
A new iPod that can play video

iTunes 6