Microsoft Cries Foul, 235 Times

[One4yu2c]

In what I'm not sure whether to describe as a publicity stunt (do they really need it?), scare tactic, or ultimately a profitable business move, MS is crying foul over what it claims are 235 patent infringements present in Linux and open source software. Over 100 of these relate to the Linux kernel and GUI, another 45 for the Open Office productivity suite, and the rest pertain to email and other open source apps. And it's not just the distributors MS is targeting, but users as well. - Paul "One4yu2c" Lilly

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[Computer-Ed]

You know there is a novel concept to consider, they could be justified because their accusations are true. But hey the author of the article would not let a minor thing like that get in theway, hence no effort to find out.

(Just to make sure this is not taken wrong the author I am referring to was in the article linked :-) )

[One4yu2c]

In case you didn't recognize the name, or where it hyperlinks to (HardwareLogic's author page for Paul Lilly), the author in question is me. Naturally, I'm inclined to agree with the 'author's' blog post.

[Capper]

Well, something to consider is how the patent system is abused by most major companies.
A lot of these companies, MS included, have lawyers that do not develop or create technology, but simply sit around and submit patent claims on things so that they have the patent on file.....
another reason that the patent system, like the welfare, health care, insurance, tax, and social security systems need to be overhauled

[screwballl]

I saw that on DailyTech at least a week or two ago HERE

and here is a response by Linus Torvalds

DailyTech - Linus Torvalds Responds to Microsoft's Patent Claims

[Quakindude]

Originally Posted by Computer-Ed

(Just to make sure this is not taken wrong the author I am referring to was in the article linked :-) )

I'll take "Stepping on your pecker" for $500 Alex.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Good article. Don't care too much, but whatever.

Paul, you have the nerdiest avatar EVER!

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by Quakindude

I'll take "Stepping on your pecker" for $500 Alex.

LMFAO, Tom did you hire someone new to write your jokes for you? You have been pumping out the one liners. Maybe it's that Zyban thats putting you in a humorous mood.

To the topic at hand. This is my take on it. Linux used to be for the Über Geek. With the success of Unbuntu and other Distros making Linux more user friendly, more people are starting to consider Linux as an alternative to Windows. A lot of people are very disappointed in Vista, so it has left them looking for an alternative. I have seen a lot of chatter on different computer and non-computer forums (Yes Rich, Golf Forums) alike about people of all geek levels considering Linux as an alternative to Vista. This might not be a huge threat today, but give it another 2 years or so, distros like Linux could become a real threat to M$. I think M$ is trying to take them out before this happens. I really hope that M$ is not successful in their attempt to rub out Linux.

[Capper]

I think there is zero chance that Linux distros will disappear....zero, zilch, nadda.

I think that long before open source dies, you'll see MS broken up like the phone companies were in the 80's

[Hitman]

No Linux will never go away, but open source software companies aren't exactly multi billion dollar software companies. A lawsuit could be a serious set back. I don't really see it going anywhere.