windows media player - US clients only?

[ibmuser]

Why is windows media player 10 for US clients only?
I was checking my brother's computer for custom updates (XP SP2) and Media Player 10 is listed as applying for US Clients only.

Does Microsoft assume Canada's part of the US?

[hausman]

I wonder what crime I've commited in installing it then

Seriously, usually the problem is that a US company doesn't know that Canada exists, rather than assume we're part of them. But perhaps in this case it''s the assumption that Canada and Quebec are the same. I read something once about software companies who weren't allowed to launch new releases in Quebec until both French and English versions were available. IIRC WinXP's introduction was delayed in la belle province for that reason.

So, could it be as simple as there's no French translation for WMP10 yet?

[egibbs]

More likely it's the encryption around the digital certificates and licenses - they are probably using non-exportable encryption in the US Only version. For the rest of the world they will have to remove that and plug in exportable encryption.

Ed Gibbs

[ian]

So, could it be as simple as there's no French translation for WMP10 yet?

As most of you know, I live in France and have been known to drive a FIAT UNO - I can only think that this is why I was allowed to download a FRENCH version of WMP10 yesterday - I can't think of any other possible reason...

[hausman]

More likely it's the encryption around the digital certificates and licenses - they are probably using non-exportable encryption in the US Only version. For the rest of the world they will have to remove that and plug in exportable encryption.

Canada has always been included in US encryption distribution. Most such restrictons say something like "Not for export outside North America (which includes Mexico, BTW)" or "Not for export outside USA and Canada."

As most of you know, I live in France and have been known to drive a FIAT UNO - I can only think that this is why I was allowed to download a FRENCH version of WMP10 yesterday - I can't think of any other possible reason...

Let me try to explain succinctly: You live in France, not Québec. Vive la différence

[ian]

I was simply replying to your comment "So, could it be as simple as there's no French translation for WMP10 yet?" by stating the fact that there is, indeed, a FRENCH language version. Succinct enough?

[hausman]

Yeah, I got that. I was just yanking your chain a bit

"Pur laine" (that's their own characterisation) Québécois see themselves as a distinct society, not only distinct within Canada but also distinct from everyone else, including the French.

Only in Canada did a party whose mandate is separation from Canada, "serve" as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition for several years in the 1990s. http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-73-1181-65 ... ons/clip11 Could something similar ever happen in France?

[ian]

...and I yanked in return - no offence (taken or meant) but it's nice to see at least some people have a sense of humour slightly more developed than the Benny Hill we're forced to laugh at here.

Of course, all this is strictly acedemic as I'm not French...

[hausman]

Of course, all this is strictly acedemic as I'm not French...

I surmised that, and with a name like Ian, you're probably a subject of HM, which is why I thought you might enjoy reading the CBC story I linked to. (Two years later there was a referendum in Québec on sovereignty. It was defeated by a very narrow margin, which for the then PM of Canada was a near-death experience.)

[ian]

My surname is French (I think because it was the cheapest) and frankly I'm rather comfortably ensconsed here in rural France - the brief forays to England this year (the first time in 9 years) have convinced me that our move was the correct decision. Sadly I will have to renew this 'pleasure' frequently this year for family reasons.

On a slightly serious note, the situation in the UK embarasses me - I don't prefess to having any oratory skills, but had I spoken to people the way that I've been spoken to recently (and I'm talking about banks and 'professional' institutions) I would have been made to stand outside the classroom - but I won't go on - suffice it to say it's not so bad here - and having access to fora (?) such as this one, make my day.

Here's hoping people THINK before blasting me out of the water...

[hausman]

Here's hoping people THINK before blasting me out of the water...

Isn't that why we all have ThinkPads?

[Txiasaeia]

suffice it to say it's not so bad here - and having access to fora (?) such as this one, make my day.

Holy crap! Somebody actually got it right! No sarcasm or anything intended here; I've just never seen anybody actually nail the proper plural for "forum," well, ever. Made this ol' english geek's day!

http://www.usingenglish.com/articles/no ... urals.html

[ian]

It's ok - I probably won't ever do it again...

[n3il]

the situation in the UK embarasses me... would have been made to stand outside the classroom...

I agree wholeheartedly Ian... it makes me cringe having to listen to some people. At least we aren't alone in our estimations...

[ibmuser]

Ah yes fora. However, Google lists 3,720,000 entries for fora and 119,000,000 for forums. Guess they need a Latin pedant.