M$ Watch. continued...

RudeDawg · 04-26-2002, 12:39 AM

Bill Gates has changed his story. For the last three days, Gates has been arguing that this was technically impossible, but today, he reversed his story.

Gates admits stripped-down Windows possible

Rudedawg's opinion- [img]graemlins/twocents.gif[/img] I do believe that Gates and M$ should be allowed to get away with everything they can. I believe that the DOJ has over-stepped their authority, and are making unreasonable demands.
I also Believe that M$ stole the technology they have marketed so well. But they have the right to profit off the ignorance of end-users who continue to throw money at the M$ temple.
Instead of forcing M$ to give their code to competitors (think of the precedent this will set) the DOJ should just make it easier to buy a "clean" box, a computer with no OS on it, or an alternative OS (Linux, for example).
And, of course, you could go Mac... [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

[ 04-26-2002, 12:41 AM: Message edited by: RudeDawg ]

Sir Michael · 04-26-2002, 12:52 AM

Bill Gates is a god, and he should be allowed to do anything he wants, if not be made ruler of the known universe. (I'm only half-joking, BTW.)

Practically, for most computer users, there is no alternative to Windows. The other options are really no options at all. For "power users" like me, it is very easy and cheap to build a custom clean box as you describe. As a matter of fact, that is what I did with this computer. I already had WinMe, so I just reinstalled it on the new HDD (formatting the old one, so I didn't violate licensing agreements), and I didn't buy a new OS until XP.

It would be a mistake to force Microsoft to make Windows open-source. If they want to force MS to make a stripped down version, that is okay by me, but don't expect me to buy it. I like all those extra features Bill and the team put with the OS. Ever hear of "value-added?"

Charean · 04-26-2002, 12:55 AM

I don't know how he gets away with what he says (Bill Gates) - what does he think he is, anyway? The teflon President? (smirk)

I am wondering how long this litigation will last, how long Microsoft will hold out on compliance, how many appeals there will be.... etc.

It will be a long time before we see a change in the marketplace... I am more interested in seeing what the stocks will do if he loses ...

AzureWolf · 04-26-2002, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RudeDawg:
And, of course, you could go Mac... [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Speak not thy heathen words!

Azred · 04-26-2002, 01:10 AM

I think forcing Microsoft to divulge Windows code would set a very dangerous precedent, because then intellectual property (and the patents on the same) would be meaningless/worthless. If Microsoft is forced into this, then Coca-Cola should be forced to make its formula public, Chevrolet would have to release all engine designs, all computer manufacturers would have to divluge specifications, etc. Very bad for business--why create anything when you will have to turn over all your secrets and ideas just so there can be "fair" competition? The lazy companies would just take your ideas and make money with them. I am not "pro" Microsoft (even though I personally never experience any problems with their products), but no one seems to be considering this angle of the whole situation.
Also, this situation falls into the same category as suing McDonald's because you spilled hot coffee in your lap (like a moron) or suing Phillip-Morris because your grandfather chose to smoke for 40 years. Why not sue Ford because your uncle was killed in a car wreck? Shouldn't Ford have put warning labels like "CAUTION: DRIVING THIS VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN DEATH" or some such nonsense? Where is the common sense these days?

Ranting is now complete. [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img]

LennonCook · 04-26-2002, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RudeDawg:

And, of course, you could go Mac... [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

But we wont be melting our brains by doing that any time soon now will we ??

Bruce The Aussie · 04-26-2002, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Azred:
Shouldn't Ford have put warning labels like "CAUTION: DRIVING THIS VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN DEATH" or some such nonsense?

Good idea for a bumper sticker [img]smile.gif[/img]
all i can say is currently MS is a monopoly over OS i thought was su[pposed to be illegal. IMO it is a monopoly seeing as how linux can't run games well and Mac is well... kinda crap (unless its improved since i used it a good few years ago [img]tongue.gif[/img] )

[ 04-26-2002, 06:03 AM: Message edited by: Bruce The Aussie ]

/)eathKiller · 04-26-2002, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LennonCook:

quote:
Originally posted by RudeDawg:

And, of course, you could go Mac... [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

But we wont be melting our brains by doing that any time soon now will we ?? [/QUOTE]NYoot uI Lf oIvcea anp' t he lppl iet ...

Neb · 04-26-2002, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce The Aussie:

quote:
Originally posted by Azred:
Shouldn't Ford have put warning labels like "CAUTION: DRIVING THIS VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN DEATH" or some such nonsense?

Good idea for a bumper sticker [img]smile.gif[/img]
all i can say is currently MS is a monopoly over OS i thought was su[pposed to be illegal. IMO it is a monopoly seeing as how linux can't run games well and Mac is well... kinda crap (unless its improved since i used it a good few years ago [img]tongue.gif[/img] )[/QUOTE]Well, it's only a monopoly because the competition has decided to make their things incompatible with most current software.

IF Linux and Macs were able to run as many things as Windows they'd be competing with them on an even level. Not MS's fault that their competition can't compete.

[ 04-26-2002, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: Neb ]

Thoran · 04-26-2002, 12:10 PM

Might not be M$'s fault... but Bills driving incredibly agressive business practices at microsoft, and many of those practices amount to manuvering to systemically exclude competition from the Wintel universe. I've got a problem with that.

I do not believe that Internet Explorer NEEDED to be bundled with Windows to provide the same level of integration... it was an obvious attempt to provide some cool integrated capabilities without leaving the hooks available for competitors (Navigator) to use.

That is only one of MANY examples... Bill is a brilliant and ruthless businessman and I certainly think he deserves all the success he's achieved. BUT... I think he needs his wings clipped a bit on the anti-competitive behaviors front.

04-26-2002, 12:39 AM	#1
RudeDawg 20th Level Warrior Join Date: April 9, 2001 Location: Dallas, Tx, USA Age: 55 Posts: 2,830	Bill Gates has changed his story. For the last three days, Gates has been arguing that this was technically impossible, but today, he reversed his story. Gates admits stripped-down Windows possible Rudedawg's opinion- [img]graemlins/twocents.gif[/img] I do believe that Gates and M$ should be allowed to get away with everything they can. I believe that the DOJ has over-stepped their authority, and are making unreasonable demands. I also Believe that M$ stole the technology they have marketed so well. But they have the right to profit off the ignorance of end-users who continue to throw money at the M$ temple. Instead of forcing M$ to give their code to competitors (think of the precedent this will set) the DOJ should just make it easier to buy a "clean" box, a computer with no OS on it, or an alternative OS (Linux, for example). And, of course, you could go Mac... [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] [ 04-26-2002, 12:41 AM: Message edited by: RudeDawg ] __________________ [img]\"http://home.earthlink.net/~rudedawg/images/perin14.gif\" alt=\" - \" /><br />The RudeDawg, known in these Forgotten Realms as Perin LightEyes<br /><br />Think Different. Keeper of the Bunnies of Total Self Confidence <img border=\"0\" alt=\"[bunny]\" title=\"\" src=\"graemlins/bunny.gif\" />

04-26-2002, 12:52 AM	#2
Sir Michael Manshoon Join Date: October 2, 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Age: 57 Posts: 202	Bill Gates is a god, and he should be allowed to do anything he wants, if not be made ruler of the known universe. (I'm only half-joking, BTW.) Practically, for most computer users, there is no alternative to Windows. The other options are really no options at all. For "power users" like me, it is very easy and cheap to build a custom clean box as you describe. As a matter of fact, that is what I did with this computer. I already had WinMe, so I just reinstalled it on the new HDD (formatting the old one, so I didn't violate licensing agreements), and I didn't buy a new OS until XP. It would be a mistake to force Microsoft to make Windows open-source. If they want to force MS to make a stripped down version, that is okay by me, but don't expect me to buy it. I like all those extra features Bill and the team put with the OS. Ever hear of "value-added?" __________________ \"You see things; and you say \'Why?\' But I dream things that never were; and I say \'Why not?\'\"<br />-George Bernard Shaw<br /><br />\"Men take only their needs into consideration never their abilities.\"<br />-Napoleon Bonaparte

04-26-2002, 12:55 AM	#3
Charean Hathor Join Date: March 6, 2001 Location: Waxahachie, TX Age: 60 Posts: 2,201	I don't know how he gets away with what he says (Bill Gates) - what does he think he is, anyway? The teflon President? (smirk) I am wondering how long this litigation will last, how long Microsoft will hold out on compliance, how many appeals there will be.... etc. It will be a long time before we see a change in the marketplace... I am more interested in seeing what the stocks will do if he loses ... __________________ And then there were 6.

04-26-2002, 01:10 AM	#5
Azred Drow Priestess Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: a hidden sanctorum high above the metroplex Age: 54 Posts: 4,037	I think forcing Microsoft to divulge Windows code would set a very dangerous precedent, because then intellectual property (and the patents on the same) would be meaningless/worthless. If Microsoft is forced into this, then Coca-Cola should be forced to make its formula public, Chevrolet would have to release all engine designs, all computer manufacturers would have to divluge specifications, etc. Very bad for business--why create anything when you will have to turn over all your secrets and ideas just so there can be "fair" competition? The lazy companies would just take your ideas and make money with them. I am not "pro" Microsoft (even though I personally never experience any problems with their products), but no one seems to be considering this angle of the whole situation. Also, this situation falls into the same category as suing McDonald's because you spilled hot coffee in your lap (like a moron) or suing Phillip-Morris because your grandfather chose to smoke for 40 years. Why not sue Ford because your uncle was killed in a car wreck? Shouldn't Ford have put warning labels like "CAUTION: DRIVING THIS VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN DEATH" or some such nonsense? Where is the common sense these days? Ranting is now complete. [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img] __________________ Everything may be explained by a conspiracy theory. All conspiracy theories are true. No matter how thinly you slice it, it's still bologna.

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04-26-2002, 12:10 PM	#10
Thoran Galvatron Join Date: January 10, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Age: 56 Posts: 2,109	Might not be M$'s fault... but Bills driving incredibly agressive business practices at microsoft, and many of those practices amount to manuvering to systemically exclude competition from the Wintel universe. I've got a problem with that. I do not believe that Internet Explorer NEEDED to be bundled with Windows to provide the same level of integration... it was an obvious attempt to provide some cool integrated capabilities without leaving the hooks available for competitors (Navigator) to use. That is only one of MANY examples... Bill is a brilliant and ruthless businessman and I certainly think he deserves all the success he's achieved. BUT... I think he needs his wings clipped a bit on the anti-competitive behaviors front.

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