>Open source...that just means it is easier to break into, since attackers have the source code.

How idiotic could this guy be??

Open source is alot more secure BECAUSE IT IS OPEN SOURCE!, which means that alot more people scan the code for bugs because THE CODE IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE!

Microsofts code might be checked be 100,000 people but open source code could easily be checked by 800,000 people.

Linux is harder to break into because it is modular, which means if a virus was made for an e-mail program it would only affect about 15% of Linux users because Linux has many different e-mail programs but Windows has only one.

Now don't be saying anything about things you obviously know nothing about.

">Open source...that just means it is easier to break into, since attackers have the source code.

How idiotic could this guy be??

Open source is alot more secure BECAUSE IT IS OPEN SOURCE!, which means that alot more people scan the code for bugs because THE CODE IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE"

While he was being sarcastic (is it me or are a hell of a lot of people off their game today?) that too is utter BS.

Just because the code is open to "everyone" doesn't mean "everyone" looks at it. It doesn't even mean the "right" people look at it. I'm an "everyone". If you showed me a piece of Linux code, I'd probably scratch my head and wonder what the hell you were on when you wrote it.

Think of it this way, are the additional 700,000 people looking at Linux code security / code-auditing experts?

The claim is pointless because it can't be backed up (which, incidentally, is the same with the comment you were replying to, even if it was intended as sarcasm)

Have to give this pitdingo guy credit. He found the motherlode of sarcasm-challenged folks here.

"...if a virus was made for an e-mail program it would only affect about 15% of Linux users because Linux has many different e-mail programs but Windows has only one."

Because we all know it is impossible to use anything but Outlook on MS, right?

Can't believe I missed that one. Only one...

I am looking at my Thunderbird Icon now, wondering what the hell it must be since it's apparently not an e-mail program.

I will burn those dirty Windows XPs I have and I will buy Mac. I wish all other people protest
Micro$oft same way.

If I had a dime for every time I've read that Linux was ready for the desktop, I'd be a very wealthy man. Unfortunately, Linux is largely controlled by geeks. They want it to remain a geeks OS.

Now I read that Ubuntu is actually destroying hard drives. Oh yeah, I want some of that. I bought Mandriva 2007 PowerPak Plus. That's about it, I bought the OS and a fat lot of good it did. At this juncture I'd say humane destruction is the best solution.

No, the manufacturers of the hard drives wrote the firmware that is causing the issue. Ubuntu, unlike many other OS's doesn't override the BIOS and other settings, although it looks like they're going to have to given this issue.

The question people should be asking is why is the firmware set that way to start with? Seems likely it's so that your hard drive wears out quicker so you have to keep buying replacements...

As for ready for the desktop, it could be argued that Windows isn't ready either. All day I listen to people who've worked with Windows for years and still can't do even basic tasks. Because of this type of people (who make up 50% of the population), there will never be a "magic day" when Linux suddenly becomes the perfect desktop for everyone.

I'm not by any means some total geekhead, but Linux replaced my last Windows install in 2005. I'd tried it every 6 months for the last few years before that, and it suddenly improved to the point where I felt comfortable replacing Windows.

If you ignore (commercial) games, then Linux could replace the larger majority of the average person's desktop at any point. Personally, I don't care about them. Let them find their own way. Linux serves my needs perfectly, and I will never return to Windows.

You're dead-on about Linux being ready for the desktop. It still is not today, regardless of what geeks say.

I'm not so certain they want Linux to remain a geek-only OS, but geeks just don't get "people." That's their real liability and unfortunately it's the very same thing which makes them geeks.

Note: I use both Linux and Window$. Given that, every day I see why geeks aren't anywhere close to taking over the world, or too great a number of its desktops. Even to use Ubuntu, one *still* needs to be at least a quasi-geek. Meanwhile, look at all the complete dumb@$$es now online courtesy of Micro$oft's marginally adequate understanding of "ordinary" people.

I want it clearly understood that I'm neither anti-Linux nor pro-Microsoft. Some of the best server OSs out there are Linux. I damn near cried when Gentoo took a header. What a waste!

Most of the blame for the lack of desktop prowess falls directly on the RedHats and SUSEs of this world. These people have the wherewithal to have a workable desktop on the market next week. They flatass don't give a damn.

everyone learnt everything from microsoft.
microsoft teaches everything to you and you have to thank for all new ideas comming form microsoft. Look microsoft web pages adorable colourful and fast you have to register all what you have downloaded from microsoft web pages thats all. So they help you, and your knowledge gets rich so you have to help microsoft. They share every program with you why not you share your with them. Microsoft teach us everything everyone have pc laptop and windows so share your windows and ideas with them. Microsoft means we are everwhere others some where..
I am sorry but I use microsoft products are best for me. The others are second I need first one. See you soon get well soon.

I remember a world without Microsoft. It's pretty obvious that you don't.

As much as I disagree with Microsoft's move, I see where they are coming from. Hey, everyone wants to retain power and they'd do it by all means necessary. This is Microsoft's way. It's just another company that does everything to retain its power. By no means I favor MS' business practices but I do understand their point of view. All they want to do is retain/increase their monopoly. Most of us out there including me are addicted to Windows because we grew up with it and we are used to the Windows way. I am perfectly comfortable with Linux but I keep getting back to Windows. Vixta truly made me feel like I was using Windows but it has some serious issues which I hope they get fixed. I really like its start menu. I wish all companies and non-companies out there the very best of good luck that try to take on Windows and I mean it, even Robert's SkyOS, Syllable, ReactOS, Haiku and of course Apple's Mac OS. Good luck to all but I don't trust Apple :) I think, Apple will be worse then MS if they had the same power but that's just an opinion and I hope I am wrong.

Below you will read:

"You don't get rich writing checks. Hats off to Microshaft." and

"It's capitalism and competition. Get real!!"

Can I remind you that Enron was capitalism as well. So is Halliburton!

If you think this kind of behavior is ethical then I'm afraid you show a strange view of right and wrong. As others have said, clearly somebody has to pay for Micro$oft's larges and its you.

For those that have a more refined view of right and wrong do something positive about this type of behavior - ditch Micro$oft and try Linux. I have just installed Ubuntu 7.10 and it is simply great (oh! and its produced ethically).

Regards,
Peter

"...ditch Micro$oft and try Linux. I have just installed Ubuntu 7.10 and it is simply great..."

Yeah, so great that a default install (more than half the time) can't help but think you don't need to see your mouse cursor to navigate and launch apps from the gui.

I keep trying Linux, but if I have to tweak crap (which I am more than capable of doing) to get my mouse cursor to show up or keep it from disappearing, then it still isn't worth my time. Not the time spent researching what to change, and not the time to change it on every install.

You don't get rich writing checks. Hats off to Microshaft.

yea its competition. But take a guess who is paying for it... Yep You and me and every other person that buys MS products for some god forsaken reason STILL.. lol I'm one of them, though a couple of their products ended up on a bookshelf never used, Or installed din a separate hot swap Hard drive that sits on a shelf unused...

The point is MS will go to places like Nigeria and say. Hey you want our product. tell you what we don't do this for everyone but If you dump these guys we will give you Our OS for free... But only if you dump Linux in the process. Then from that point forward you will receive a discounted price on future contracts. The only reason MS can get away with that is cause they are the monopoly power. They charge unfair rates to the rest of the world that their product is in high demand because of business contracts or incompatibilities with Linux for business software... But in emerging markets MS is no where near the favored version, because its too expensive and restrictive at times... So Linux and open office looks really goo to them... So What does MS doe to prevent any Linux market from emerging in developing world? They Trample it with the same antitrust tactics they pulled in the EU. and have dodged the Fines and fees associated with lost lawsuits for years... Only recently have the agreed to pay, but they will not change their tactics any time soon. Its what MS does. Destroys competition at any cost. And makes their Consumers pay for their arrogance.

It's capitalism and competition. Get real!!

Capitalism serves its purpose, and I'm not going to say we should get rid of it. However, if capitalism runs unchecked then it becomes harmful to the populace.

The technology of computers is too important to society to be dominated by someone as clearly unscrupulous and blinkered as Microsoft.

Exactly how does one say they accused Microsoft of dirty tactics if they say ""I would not say it got dirty, but someone could have said that,"

Doesn't that sentence state that they were NOT accusing them of dirty tactics, but they were close?

I don't buy it. Microsoft offers great value and interoperability. Everything from Vista down to the Xbox 360 is the best of breed.

Obviously the Linux sucks and Nigeria realized it, too late. Who wants to be locked into Linux and all its proprietary formats and protocols?

the Total Cost of Ownership for the Windows Ecosystem is _way_ lower than Linux. A Microsoft based economy will add hundreds of thousands of new jobs and millions to the GDP of Nigeria. Linux just cant do that because it is free.

Microsoft is simply out-competing Linux. This guys is just crying because he can not compete with the value add of Microsoft products.

Okay, that was funny. I don't care who you are.

"Who wants to be locked into Linux and all its proprietary formats and protocols?"

Did he really just say that?

I think you need to do some research my little naive friend. You need to read a book or something and for GOD's sake, go find out what 'proprietary' means...

No one is doing more for the innovation, providing competition and just 'doing it better', than Linux.

Vista came out touting a 'so called' fantastic new desktop and security. Erm (tap tap) excuse please, Linux has had that for years. And just about EVERY patch from MS says '... flaws allows complete control over PC..' doesn't instill confidence does it?

I have Ubuntu on a USB stick. I am not tied to a PC I can plug it in anywhere! And I have my system- EVERYTHING. Ask MS to do that! No they have contracts with manufactures, they want you to buy those new PCs; put money in their pockets.

Try something new- thinking. The brain is not something that just sloshes when you walk. Try using it.

yep....he did. now please excuse me as I fall out of my chair in uncontrollable laughter.

Yes, he needs to do some homework. Linux is Open source and not proprietary.
On the other hand you also need to do some homework and realize that XP can be boot off a USB Drive as well. If you don't know how, here's a link. http://www.ngine.de/index.jsp?pageid=4176

You can't innovate without an incentive...money. Only a company the size of Microsoft can spend the money needed on R&D to provide the innovation which drives the PC industry forward.

Who wants an OS on an USB stick? People want a robust and stable environment upon rich they can build a rich ecosystem of software. That stable foundation is Microsoft Windows.

You can not make money off of Linux. Everyone knows that, even Nigeria. Mandriva tried to pull a fast one on them. Open source...that just means it is easier to break into, since attackers have the source code.

Open and interoperability is baked into everything MS does. The standard OOXML is but the latest extra mile Microsoft has gone to add value to the already amazing Office Ecosystem.

Stop it, stop it, I can't breathe!

pitdingo, I don't know who you are, but I wish I'd said that!

"You can't innovate without an incentive...money. Only a company the size of Microsoft can spend the money needed on R&D to provide the innovation which drives the PC industry forward."

I've never seen a bigger pile of horse-droppings in my entire life. One example? COMPIZ FUSION. No profit motive, but innovation that leads the world, beating MS an Apple both, in GUI revolution. And what about all the other little guys out there writing software and releasing it free with all the advancements and innovation therein, across all categories of software from browsers to file archivers?

"Who wants an OS on an USB stick? People want a robust and stable environment upon rich they can build a rich ecosystem of software. That stable foundation is Microsoft Windows.
"
AhahohoHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Oh, NOW I get you! You're an MS robot!

"You can not make money off of Linux." Red Hat are. Novell are. All the embedded devices running linux are.

"Open source...that just means it is easier to break into, since attackers have the source code." Au contraire. Being able to see the holes makes them MUCH easier to plug!

"Open and interoperability is baked into everything MS does. The standard OOXML is but the latest extra mile Microsoft has gone to add value to the already amazing Office Ecosystem." Breathtaking...your MS masters are sure to be well pleased with that piece of blatant propoganda.

this is fun ;)

You can make money by saving money.

Some people(like the Linux community) are doing things just because they want to do something better. And in my experience small entities can move faster than big ones and usually have better results.

Linux not only has a fantastic OS, but applications and huge following of contributors; a passion for doing thing better...

Right now, 95% of the world uses Windows, because for the last 15 years there's been nothing, but Windows for people to work with. (not forgetting MAC's)

Open Source, thats a bit skewed as well. Everyone contributes and if there's a security hole everyone will see it and it will get fixed.

MS is not OPEN, they work with companies, but they are NOT OPEN, ask Symantec and Mcafee about being open when they were trying to help users by getting closer to the OS to scan for Viruses; MS locked them out. Same for some companies who were trying to create better drivers. MS hid some information that could have helped them.

I am not a MS hater (I don't like them), but your not going to convince me that Windows is cheaper and more flexible.

And the reason MS pulling crap like this is they are realizing the foot hold Linux is making. Dell and HP (and Walmart) are now selling PC's without their OS. What happens then? Companies start releasing Linux drivers, Linux games, Linux power apps - 'Oh no! We are not the only one on the block! The people have a choice...'(drama music)

Proof of this is the ODF, people want choice. They don't want to be locked in to (captive) in their choices of OS and how it looks and performs. MS offers little in this area. Linux offers more choices from OS's 50mb to super servers.

Many countries, countries, cities and states are switching to Linux because it's free.

Point:
It's not supported by Microsoft and if you call them to have them tell you how to do it, they will laugh you off the phone. Linux is highly flexible and in most part supported in the Linux community.

Hmmm...Microsoft has obviously decided to team with the nefarious Nigerian e-mail scammers, and vice versa.

The impoverished kids who need so much help now and at least a couple more decades are caught in the middle between the greeds of Microsoft and corrupt Nigerian government officials.

As students' computing needs advance, that's an eventual upgrade cost of somewhere between $300 to $800 per user for a country with a per capita income of only $1037 per year. And, there's also the costs of new computers to run M$'s resource-hungry products.

Congratulations, Microsoft. You just stole the country's future without batting an eye. Relatively speaking, your actions make the Nigerian e-mail scammers appear downright legit.

What? They're *paying* people to use Windows now?

I guess once these kids grow up they'll soon find the Microsoft freebies are quickly withdrawn.

People in Nigeria probably make $1 a day if they're lucky, but MS cannot let *any* market slip away to a rival.

That's rather short sighted. Just because a market currently is a 3rd world country doesn't mean it will be in 20 years. Laying inroads into these places is just good business sense.

and you are even more short-sighted and naive.

Nigeria is at least a "10th world" country today, it will keep going down as time passes. It won't go up. Welcome to Earth on the 21st century.

Letting *any* market slip away to a rival doesn't make money.

Does not matter. It goes like this:

A poor country wants software.
They wont pay for Windows, cause they cant afford it.
Linux is "free"
Microsoft says "well we can make NO money, and have linux in Nigeria, or we can have NO money, and have Windows in Nigeria.

Every technician that get training in Windows over Linux....it's good for Microsoft.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the Windows Ecosystem is lower than Linux after all. How do you get lower than free? You pay people to use it!