Microsoft settlement.

[Lucias_Clay]

I haven't finished reading this but here is the courts opinion against microsoft. http://www.msnbc.com/news/829420.asp
I don't want this to turn into a free for all but would like your honest, opinion in a calm curtious manner:p
Please try to read the court documents they are rather interesting.

[andyswork@beci.net]

Hello All:
This is one reason we are pushing Linux at our shop.

[Budfred]

Not only is MS a monopoly, but the court decision gives a green light to other monopolies, at least until the administration in DC changes.

Budfred

[ErnieK]

Lucias
I have not read the report yet, But have saved it to desktop and will read later. But my opinion is as follows.

Nothing will be done too, or about, MS until they finish setting up their future plans. Namely Controling EVERY piece of software and hardware that you/we will install on your/our future computers.

The next genenration of Motherboards (by agreement with Intel)are the first step in this - Built into/onto the board will be a chip that sends info back to an MS database, with an identifying number - telling them EXACTLY what you have installed onto your computer. If you try to install an unsigned (by MS) driver/software / pirated software or OS that MS does not like MS will then be able disable your computer remotely, and this will remain so until MS signes off the said driver/software or you install a driver that MS says you can. We will NOT be able to overide this facillity. This check will on your computer BEFORE it boots to the desktop. Before it does the BIOS check. MS and Intel say that this is to curb Piracey.

In reallity you will not be able to use any of the freeware utilities that goes around, you will not be able to use any of the office software etc that is available for free or the likes of Linux/BEOS/Lindows/ or any of the other FREE OS's UNLESS they are signed of by MS.

MS WILL sign off software sent to them for investigation, and will charge for doing so. Ergo, there will be NO free software available.
THIS is NOT paranoia - This is fact.

It is only after this has taken place that something will be done about this company, by delaying like this, ALL goverments will have what they want. The abillity to SEE into your computer and control over, in the name of anti-terrorism. (please read Orvilles 1984 for a rough idea of what this will mean)

And no! a firewall will not be of any use as you need an OS before they comes into action and this facillity will operate before the BIOS check and the OS comes to life.

In the near future it will make no difference what software / operating sytem / hardware that you install, MS, (and ultimatly, your goverment(s) (ALL)) will have the final say. They will then also have details of what EVERY PC has installed and the use you make of it.

The only way to beat this will be to stay of the internet,