Upgrading to Firefox 2.0?

[David J Patrick]

On 05/11/06, Mike Kallies <mike.kallies-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org> wrote:
> On 11/5/06, David J Patrick <davidjpatrick-rieW9WUcm8FFJ04o6PK0Fg at public.gmane.org> wrote:
> > On 05/11/06, Mike Kallies <mike.kallies-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org> wrote:
> > > Any patent abuses would extend beyond SuSE and into all other distros.
> > Actually, as I understand it, the patent abuses will bypass MSuSE and
> > target any linux company/ coder who hopes to make $1.00
>
> It cant' work that way.  If MS *did* try that.  Eg., with the FAT
> code, you could, for example do this:
>
> 1. strip the FAT code from Debian.
> 2. Take the FAT code from MSuSE
> 3. Put the FAT code from MSuSE into Debian
The fun part here is that this time the implied threat is in regards
to unspecified "IP", as represented by unspecified patents. The threat
is real (MS holding a huge patent portfolio) and casts a shadow over
the entire landscape. Whatever it is, Novells caving in to shell out
royalties on their linux offerings gives at least the illusion that
the rest of us will have to pay, too.


>
> MS can't put a redistribution clause on GPL'd code and they can't
> un-GPL it.  If they rewrote the code as BSD license and demanded
> royalties, competitors with large patent portfolios could do the same
> in return.
>
> ...
> > embrace is a potential subject of litigation. This is deliberately
> > destructive.
>
> Naw, I think we just disagree on this.  MS is after money.  That's all
> they've ever been after.  World domination and crushing competition is
> all collateral damage.
It seems to be their modus operandi. That combined with file format
lock-in and obscene advertising budgets. That's how they got so crazy
rich !
>
> MS has been pushing for patent reform:
>
> <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2005/mar05/03-10patentreform.mspx>
>
> Patents and employing factory sweatshop workers are about the only
> places where MS has shown limits to its evil.
ok.. maybe sweatshops.. unless you consider outsourcing to India and
Russia sweatshops..
>
> I'm doubtful that MS really has small business in mind when talking of
> patents, but at least they claim to.
Their desire to control of small business (errr.. offer everything a
small business needs, including no lawsuits) is plainly stated in
their PR.
>
> Don't ever let it be said that I thought MS was not evil!  Very evil.
> But I don't think they have motive or power to snuff out Linux.
I think one is a likely as the other, to do any snuffing. That is; not very.
BUT If you don't see this salvo as a major FUD bomb, you must be shell-shocked.
It's intended to, and may well, slow linux adoption by introducing a
thinly veiled, broadly aimed threat.

djp

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