Background: In case you missed it, in early 2002 Microsoft sued to shut down Lindows.com and are currently fighting in court over trademark issues, with Lindows trying to invalidate the trademark on “Windows” and Microsoft charging trademark infringement by the similar-sounding Lindows name. Microsoft’s allegation )As I understand it) was that they own the trademark for the word “windows,” maintaining that no other company should be allowed to use the word “windows”( and I assume the “indows” sound it carries)
While the judicial system did block Microsoft’s request to shut Lindow.com down, a trial is looming for April 2003. At that time, the Judge (or jury) will decide whether Microsoft has a valid trademark for the word “windows” and whether the Lindows.com name is confusing.
But, believe it or not! Michael Robertson, CEO of Lindows.com and the self-proclaimed opponent of Microsoft in this case, last month revealed that he is responsible for a $200,000 reward for hacking into Microsoft’s new Xbox video game console. The challenge was announced anonymously in July, offering the money to anyone who could make the Xbox function with the Lindows operating system. As no one accomplished the task so far, Robertson extended the deadline. Wired News, 3 January 2003 http://www.wired.com/news/games/0,2101,57052,00.html
Comment:
I’m in support of the argument that an individual should have a choise to have and run the software of his choice in his hard drive inhis own home while having his windows open for air to pass thru and that is not the issue over here.
My point is, could it be that paid-hacking is what MS should be confronting? I mean look at the top 10 viruses, the late one the Slammer, aren’t they made to exploit the vulnerablities in MS Products so the end-user may have the choise not to trust them? Wha’s Microsoft’s crime?
Appreciating your comments and thoughts.
