Microsoft: Linux threat is rising

[LostInSpace]

More companies are using the threat of Linux when negotiating deals with Microsoft, one of the company's senior executives has admitted.

and there is this

Microsoft file patent faces exam

"In April, the Public Patent Foundation asked the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to revoke a patent that covers the FAT (File Allocation Table) file system--the older of two main systems used by Windows to store files. Last year, Microsoft said it was seeking to license the FAT patent on reasonable terms as part of a broader push toward sharing its intellectual-property portfolio with the industry.

The FAT file format has become a common means of storing files not just on computers but also on removable flash memory cards used in digital cameras and other devices. It is also used by the open-source Samba software that lets Linux and Unix computers exchange data with Windows computers, and by Linux itself to read and write files on Windows hard drives.

Some have worried that Microsoft may claim that Linux infringes on Microsoft patents and will seek a royalty. Any monetary compensation could threaten the operating system, which under General Public License (GPL) terms may not be distributed if it contains patented technology that requires royalty payments."

oh yeah and this

Microsoft goes on a 'myth-busting tour'

From the talk today, it seems that Microsoft have appreciated the difficulty of persuading the passionate Linux folk. One Microsoft exec described the anti-Microsoft feelings as a "jihad."

I guess the giant has awakened and is on the prowl now.

[ 06-12-2004, 02:25 AM: Message edited by: LostInSpace ]

[weegee_101]

Heh, I hate microsoft. I love how they mention that open-source is expensive because you have to teach people to use it, but with every new version of Microsoft Office many need to re-learn it because they've switched everything around.

Linux is a big contender, Microsoft needs to realize that they need to make some improvements to their own software if they want to win this fight. They could start by making all their new products open-source, but we all know they'd never do that.

Another thing; open-source is not the result of a "jihad" against Microsoft, but in fact, a result of people needing something that can do what they want it to, and more than they want as well. I use OpenOffice.Org Suite myself because its multi-platform, and I can make it do almost anything that I need it to. Along with that I'm secure against most document based viri (which are rare at this point in time, but still happen none the less.)

I'm afraid that Microsoft with this "Myth-Busting Tour" will in fact spread negative myths about Linux. In fact, Linux is slightly more secure than Windows, but only if the user sets up the iptables and the rest of the security measures. Unfortunately most do not.

Also, viri for Linux are easily removed... most of the time you can boot from a floppy or a cd and then go into the kernel and remove the virus by deleting a line or two in your code.

Linux is not a bad thing. Microsoft unfortunately can't cope with the fact that an OS that can actually out-perform Windows is finaly taking hold in the IBM PC-Compatible market.