Microsoft hoses Linux

[acmejack]

Basically, the Patent Office reversed course on a ruling they issued a three months ago that was good for open source (free) software developers and made it into a decision that was good for Bill Gates and Co. E-week saw it this way:

Patent watchdogs expressed dismay over the USTPO ruling, arguing that Microsoft could use the decision to cause major headaches to Linux vendors and users by demanding payment for use of the technology in existing products. Florian Mueller, founder of the NoSoftwarePatents.com Web site, which scrutinizes patents in the European Union, said the ruling sets a dangerous precedent even if Microsoft doesn't pursue such a strategy, and that it illustrates a desire on the part of the software company to become more disruptive to open-source efforts.
Microsoft's FAT File Patents Upheld

[DS1]

1. Solaris is now free. And better. Go get it.

Problem solved.

[LeftCoast]

4. Will it run on a standard PC though?

Solaris, I mean. :hi:

[DS1]

9. Yep

http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/get.jsp

[LeftCoast]

12. Wow...hadn't heard about this

Thanks for the link!

[davidwparker]

10. Prefer OS X, but I write apps for Solaris at work. Anything other that

WinDOS.

[grytpype]

2. What does FAT have to do with open source?

Linux supports a bunch of file systems, FAT is not the primary one that is used obviously (it's 1980s DOS technology), it's supported for legacy purposes and to support removable devices.

[benburch]

3. Easy to fix.

Just remove the ability of Linux to create a FAT file system.

This will hurt MS in the long run.

[acmejack]

8. It screws up getting a license if you happen to be a developer.

"One of the significant problems faced by open-source developers, which use FAT most often to help Linux programs communicate with Windows, is that the widely observed GPL (General Public License) issued by the Free Software Foundation forbids the distribution of programs that use patented technologies necessitating payment of any royalties."
Matt Hines

[longship]

5. It's time to enforce the Gnu License.

And to scan for Gnu licensed code in the Mickey$oft IP stack, etc. If Mickey$oft wants to play hard ball, so be it.

Anyway, FAT is legacy technology. But it is used by virtually every pen drive and such devices. We're not talking about cutting edge tech here. If Mickey$oft starts prosecuting producers who use FAT technology it's going to drive a lot of Mickey$oft compatible devices out of the market.

[Occulus]

6. The People should exercise eminient domain upon the source code for

all Micro$oft operating systems.

[ixion]

7. FAT is a crappy file system anyway

I don't think it's much of a hose, really.

However, the trend of the USPTO to continue to screw up the technology world with patents for things like this and others is very disturbing. :grr:

[slackmaster]

11. IMO Microsoft is shooting itself in the foot by enforcing this

Fools. The mad fools.

:nuke: