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Microsoft to Crush Open Source with 235 Patents
Monday, May 21, 2007 at 9:32 AM
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http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2007/tc20070515_706287.htm?chan=rss_topStories_ssi_5
Quote:Microsoft contends that the Linux operating system and other open-source software programs violate 235 of its patents. The company plans to use that intellectual property to collect royalties from companies that make, distribute, and use Linux. Microsoft's plans were disclosed in a May 14 article in Fortune.
Looks like a good time to let Microsoft know that you can stop using their products. Even if you are not ready to completely move away from Windows, you can start by using Firefox for your browser, OpenOffice instead of MS Office, and WinAmp or other media player instead of Windows Media Player.
Quote:Ex-Microsoft employee Robert Scoble wrote in his Scobleizer blog that "Microsoft has more than 800 lawyers and it looks like they are going to make sure that they remain relevant through legal action." Its actions could affect Google (GOOG) and other companies that make heavy use of Linux, Scoble notes.
Instead of building their future towards the open source movement (which is where humanity is moving), Microsoft decides it has enough money, lawyers and power to destroy and control the Open Source movement.
BTW - I've had 2 experiences with MS Vista in the last 2 weeks (other people's PCs), and I found it quite annoying. Vista is MS's attempt to improve their own OS, and be better than the Mac OS... and all they did was make it more annoying and add things like window transparency.
This will be an interesting story to follow. I'm sure it will carry on for a few years.
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Danny K
