[ale] Gates: Microsoft IP Finds Its Way Into Free Software

[Preston Boyington]

> > 
> > Well, in a loose sort of way, Gates is right in saying that 
> there is 
> > Microsoft IP in other products,
> 
> Don't even go there.  This is completely bogus.  The IP is  the 
> knowledge one used to create a product.  That knowledge is in no way 
> 'stolen' when you create a different solution for an existing product.
> 


Would this also apply to to programs that competed against M$ in a retroactive sense?  I think of Apple, OS/2, and PCDoS predomantly.


> If we're not careful, the whole defintion will change, and 
> that is what 
> Gates is wanting.  First one there wins.  No need for patents now, if 
> you build it first, it's your IP and no one else can build 
> it?  That's a 
> complete crock of shit.
> 


LOL, Geoffrey said "shit"!!!


> So we'd all be driving Fords?
> 
> Gates is doing what he does best, comparing apples to rocks 
> and people 
> are buying...
> 
> 


True but the timing is great for them to do this.  SCO brings a suit, M$ starts pointing fingers, it's all geared toward propaganda.  M$ has Longhorn in the wings to "save us all", they have got to create a reason for people to migrate or else their earnings will suffer.  They don't want another release event to sell 4 copies like ME did.

> 
> Until later: Geoffrey         esoteric at 3times25.net
> 
> The latest, most widespread virus?  Microsoft end user agreement.
> Think about it...
> 



Still at work,
Preston


(thanks for the laugh Geoffrey, I needed it today...)