Anyway, Dayglo, what is the MS ping list you are talking about? I dual boot Ubuntu server at home just for fun, I like all OS's even CP/M. I can teach them all. But this MS thing, I fail to see the purpose. Can you elucidate me, haha. Somehow I seem to fail at elucidating other FReepers, they are a recalcitrant bunch when it comes to computers.
Simple thing. There are a lot of informal "ping lists" on the forum. Someone volunteers to maintain a list of FReepers interested in a given topic, and whenever a thread is posted on that topic, the person with the list does a comment post to everybody on the list so they get a chance to check out the thread.
Computer-wise, ShadowAce runs the "Tech" ping list and leans toward Linux/Unix topics; Swordmaker runs the Apple/Mac/iDevice list; ThunderSleeps runs the Android list; and I run the Windows/Microsoft list.
So really my offer to you is: If you would like to be pinged on threads with topics relating to Windows (and to a lesser degree Microsoft in general), let me know and I'll add you to my list. (OF course, same holds for ShadowAce, Swordmaker, and ThunderSleeps of course.
Incidentally, I'm on all of those lists, having gear and interests that fall into every category and then some. You can join as many, or as few, as you like.
Have a great day!