Microsoft to be made to reveal windows source code

**Betamax** · February 22nd, 2002

Here's the story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci...00/1831755.stm

Esturk · February 22nd, 2002

"The stripped down Windows would be given to Microsoft's rivals to let them produce their own version with their own add-ons."
Why? Does this mean there will be a bunch of crappy clones of windows floating around?

**Kane** · February 22nd, 2002

Why should they have to do this? It's like dyson having to give away all the patents on it's hardware!

Esturk · February 22nd, 2002

What rivals? Linux?

Zell · February 22nd, 2002

Hmm Linux Could win with this !!! Create a new Linux wish runs normal Games (No Special versions)

**Raziel** · February 22nd, 2002

If M$ is forced to make a stripped down version of Windows,what will happen?
Simple,they'll make you pay Windows the same price,but you'll also hav to pay for WM,IE,and all,or buy equivalents from other companies.
In the end,basic customer gets his ass ****ed

.
But,as usual,if you know where to look,you won't have to pay

.

**Demigod** · February 22nd, 2002

Maybe they'll do it, but I doubt it'll lead to anything. MS isn't the type to release their grip on the industry by having their secrets revealed.

I don't understand why anyone should be be forced to reveal their source though. It's like they punish you for being too successful. I don't think it's MS's fault that Windows is so successful, rather it's the inferior products of the competitors that put Windows on top.

**Betamax** · February 22nd, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Raziel
If M$ is forced to make a stripped down version of Windows,what will happen?
Simple,they'll make you pay Windows the same price,but you'll also hav to pay for WM,IE,and all,or buy equivalents from other companies.

Actually this has already started. In win XP M$ was not allowed to bundle a DVD codec or an MP3 encoder into the OS. These you have to buy as third party addons.

Esturk · February 23rd, 2002

The only add-on I use is IE. I usually end up downloading it anyways, due to a new version. I don't think they should have to give the source code, but rather stop with the add-ons.

**Shiori** · February 23rd, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Betamax
In win XP M$ was not allowed to bundle a DVD codec or an MP3 encoder into the OS. These you have to buy as third party addons.

Yep, but they added Adaptec, WinZip and Diskeeper in XP.

**Kane** · February 23rd, 2002

I still use the third part apps for that. I like the context menus of powerarchiver, and nero is far superior to the built in stuff.

Phuzzi · February 23rd, 2002

And the decision to not include an MP3 encoder in the standard edition wouldn't have anything to do with them wanting people to use WMA instead would it?

**Betamax** · February 23rd, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Shiori

Yep, but they added Adaptec, WinZip and Diskeeper in XP.

True. Although I don't like the cdr support. Its rubbish. Like Lord Kane I'll stick with nero. I also don't like Ie6 that much either (and neither does the proxy server

)

dn · February 23rd, 2002

even our trusty ngemu.com has a problem with ie6 (the left menu goes +100% in the width sometimes)

but i prefer it over ns - ie has grown to be most popular - it is hard to find a site that doesn't show properly in it...

Fou-lu · February 23rd, 2002

98lite anyone?

Kraiger Drago · January 21st, 2003

Since there was already a thread on this (albeit, a year-old one) I didn't see any reason to make a new thread; this is just a follow-up afterall.

Basically, Russia is going to be the first country that gets the source code.
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-981298.html?tag=fd_top
predicitions on how long it will take it to make it to the net?

DB7 · January 21st, 2003

I haven't seen this thread before so I'll add my two pence now.
I can see why Microsoft should give the code to Governments, so they can better protect their computer systems against attack.
I don't think though that they should be made to reveal the source for Windows to the commercial sector, Microsoft has spent a lot of money on the development of Windows and should not have to give it up unless they are compensted.
I do think though that the features that programs like 98lite add to a computer should be added by Microsoft, the thing they added with Service Pack One only hides they programs and doesn't remove them from Windows.

**Kirby** · January 21st, 2003

One question: if there are clones that are created from the Windows source, wouldn't XP be called "Microsoft Windows XP" instead of "Windows XP", like "Mandrake" Linux and "Red Hat" linux?

Zeke_D · January 21st, 2003

I despise MS in every way shape and form but forcing them to give up their sorce code is just stupid. If I work hard for 20+ and produce a popular software Ill be damned if i will let authors of competing products access to it. I also think that the whole anti-trust case was a load of BS, I had no problem installing any peice of software I came across.

**ammoQ** · January 22nd, 2003

You should note the difference between "giving access to the source code" and "allowing others to include the source code in their products". The first, IMHO the goal of these actions, allows other software creators to improve the compatibility of programs like wine (windows API for Linux and others), samba (Windows File and printing services on Unix), OpenOffice with their MS counterparts.

February 22nd, 2002	#1 (permalink)
Betamax Resident Movie Critic Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland Posts: 9,480	Microsoft to be made to reveal windows source code Here's the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci...00/1831755.stm __________________ Superior marketing of an inferior product will always win over inferior marketing of a superior product.

February 22nd, 2002	#2 (permalink)
Esturk Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,957	"The stripped down Windows would be given to Microsoft's rivals to let them produce their own version with their own add-ons." Why? Does this mean there will be a bunch of crappy clones of windows floating around? __________________ Necrosaro: Windows XP Pro x64 Edition SP2 \| Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache \| Asus P5K Deluxe, Intel P35 Chipset, Socket 775 \| 4GB Kingston PC5300 DDR2 \| Nvidia GeForce 8800GT, 1024MB \| Creative SB X-Fi Fatality Edition \| Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD, 150Gb, SATA, Western Digital WD5000AAKS, 500GB, SATA \| LG 16x DVD-RWx2 SATA.

February 22nd, 2002	#3 (permalink)
Kane 邪魔ゎ指せない Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Gosport, England Posts: 26,255	Why should they have to do this? It's like dyson having to give away all the patents on it's hardware! __________________ >Site Live< Pop over to my site for help with setting up PSX emulators. Help for the Final Fantasies and other RPGs avalaible Celes: (Desktop) Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, MSI K8N Platinum, GeForce 8800 GTS 320Mb, 500Gb RAID HDD, Vista Business Erika: (MCPC) Athlon XP 2400+, 1Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, geForce 6800 256Mb, 80Gb Hdd, XP 2005 MCE Kimiko: (Desktop 2) Athlon 64 3000+, 512Mb 400MHz DDR Ram, Asus K8V, geForce 6800 128Mb

February 22nd, 2002	#4 (permalink)
Esturk Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,957	What rivals? Linux? __________________ Necrosaro: Windows XP Pro x64 Edition SP2 \| Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache \| Asus P5K Deluxe, Intel P35 Chipset, Socket 775 \| 4GB Kingston PC5300 DDR2 \| Nvidia GeForce 8800GT, 1024MB \| Creative SB X-Fi Fatality Edition \| Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD, 150Gb, SATA, Western Digital WD5000AAKS, 500GB, SATA \| LG 16x DVD-RWx2 SATA.

February 22nd, 2002	#5 (permalink)
Zell The Sword Saint Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Death Zone Posts: 1,750	Hmm Linux Could win with this !!! Create a new Linux wish runs normal Games (No Special versions) __________________ Kuzuryusen ! God-like speed to attack all nine vital points in one stroke. Impossible to dodge and defend ! How want's to stop me E-Mail

February 22nd, 2002	#6 (permalink)
Raziel Beta Administrator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Nantes, France Posts: 6,150	If M$ is forced to make a stripped down version of Windows,what will happen? Simple,they'll make you pay Windows the same price,but you'll also hav to pay for WM,IE,and all,or buy equivalents from other companies. In the end,basic customer gets his ass **ed . But,as usual,if you know where to look,you won't have to pay . __________________ System Specs: OS: Windows Vista Ultimate x64 Edition CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 @4GHz Video Card: MSI GeForce 8800 GTX Motherboard: ASUS Maximus Formula SE RAM: 4GB OCZ XMS2 PC6400 Sound Card:** Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS

February 22nd, 2002	#7 (permalink)
Demigod これはバタスです Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,811	Maybe they'll do it, but I doubt it'll lead to anything. MS isn't the type to release their grip on the industry by having their secrets revealed. I don't understand why anyone should be be forced to reveal their source though. It's like they punish you for being too successful. I don't think it's MS's fault that Windows is so successful, rather it's the inferior products of the competitors that put Windows on top. __________________ CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 @ 2.66 Ghz (Yorkfield) Mobo: Intel DX48BT2 Memory: 2048 MB PC10600 DDR3 Videocard: PNY Geforce 9800 GX2 PCIe w/ 1024 MB GDDR3 Soundcard: On-board SigmaTel High Definition Audio Hard drive: 300 MB Maxtor & 1 TB Hitachi Optical drive: LG GGW-H20L (2x BD-R DL) OS: Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit)

February 23rd, 2002	#9 (permalink)
Esturk Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,957	The only add-on I use is IE. I usually end up downloading it anyways, due to a new version. I don't think they should have to give the source code, but rather stop with the add-ons. __________________ Necrosaro: Windows XP Pro x64 Edition SP2 \| Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache \| Asus P5K Deluxe, Intel P35 Chipset, Socket 775 \| 4GB Kingston PC5300 DDR2 \| Nvidia GeForce 8800GT, 1024MB \| Creative SB X-Fi Fatality Edition \| Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD, 150Gb, SATA, Western Digital WD5000AAKS, 500GB, SATA \| LG 16x DVD-RWx2 SATA.

February 23rd, 2002	#11 (permalink)
Kane 邪魔ゎ指せない Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Gosport, England Posts: 26,255	I still use the third part apps for that. I like the context menus of powerarchiver, and nero is far superior to the built in stuff. __________________ >Site Live< Pop over to my site for help with setting up PSX emulators. Help for the Final Fantasies and other RPGs avalaible Celes: (Desktop) Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 2Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, MSI K8N Platinum, GeForce 8800 GTS 320Mb, 500Gb RAID HDD, Vista Business Erika: (MCPC) Athlon XP 2400+, 1Gb 400MHz DDR Ram, geForce 6800 256Mb, 80Gb Hdd, XP 2005 MCE Kimiko: (Desktop 2) Athlon 64 3000+, 512Mb 400MHz DDR Ram, Asus K8V, geForce 6800 128Mb

February 23rd, 2002	#12 (permalink)
Phuzzi Offending nations since '83 Join Date: May 2001 Location: England Posts: 265	And the decision to not include an MP3 encoder in the standard edition wouldn't have anything to do with them wanting people to use WMA instead would it?

February 23rd, 2002	#14 (permalink)
dn Administrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: London, England Posts: 1,100	even our trusty ngemu.com has a problem with ie6 (the left menu goes +100% in the width sometimes) but i prefer it over ns - ie has grown to be most popular - it is hard to find a site that doesn't show properly in it... __________________ “A commonplace man marvels at uncommon things; a wise man marvels at the commonplace” - Confucius

February 23rd, 2002	#15 (permalink)
Fou-lu Junker daughter Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 2,289	98lite anyone?

January 21st, 2003	#16 (permalink)
Kraiger Drago Goin' Downtown Join Date: May 2002 Location: Plateau of Leng Posts: 520	Follow-up: Russia to be the First Country Since there was already a thread on this (albeit, a year-old one) I didn't see any reason to make a new thread; this is just a follow-up afterall. Basically, Russia is going to be the first country that gets the source code. http://news.com.com/2100-1001-981298.html?tag=fd_top predicitions on how long it will take it to make it to the net? __________________

January 21st, 2003	#17 (permalink)
DB7 Miserable Bugger Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 997	I haven't seen this thread before so I'll add my two pence now. I can see why Microsoft should give the code to Governments, so they can better protect their computer systems against attack. I don't think though that they should be made to reveal the source for Windows to the commercial sector, Microsoft has spent a lot of money on the development of Windows and should not have to give it up unless they are compensted. I do think though that the features that programs like 98lite add to a computer should be added by Microsoft, the thing they added with Service Pack One only hides they programs and doesn't remove them from Windows.

January 21st, 2003	#18 (permalink)
Kirby Politically incorrect FTW Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 8,445	One question: if there are clones that are created from the Windows source, wouldn't XP be called "Microsoft Windows XP" instead of "Windows XP", like "Mandrake" Linux and "Red Hat" linux? __________________ AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ Toledo, Nvidia GeForce 7950GT SLi, 2GB PC3200 2-3-2-5, ABit AN8-SLi, Sound Blaster X-FI XtremeMusic

January 21st, 2003	#19 (permalink)
Zeke_D 100% emulated freak Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Ari-fu ckin-zona Posts: 1,026	I despise MS in every way shape and form but forcing them to give up their sorce code is just stupid. If I work hard for 20+ and produce a popular software Ill be damned if i will let authors of competing products access to it. I also think that the whole anti-trust case was a load of BS, I had no problem installing any peice of software I came across. __________________ AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ \| 2.0GB PC3200 \| Maxtor 120GB sATA\| GeForce 6800 GS 256MB Insignia IS-CM100751 19" \| XP Pro SP2 \| LG 16x Lightscribe DVD+/-RW \| Realtek Audio

January 22nd, 2003	#20 (permalink)
ammoQ Emu author Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Vienna/Austria/Europe Posts: 1,168	You should note the difference between "giving access to the source code" and "allowing others to include the source code in their products". The first, IMHO the goal of these actions, allows other software creators to improve the compatibility of programs like wine (windows API for Linux and others), samba (Windows File and printing services on Unix), OpenOffice with their MS counterparts. __________________ If you think my English is bad, wait till you read my Polish.

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