Feds considering blocking release of XP

[Medea]

State and federal prosecutors in the Microsoft antitrust case continue to wrestle with a critical decision: whether to try to block the release of Windows XP, scheduled to reach stores on Oct. 25, or to have the company modify the new operating system software.
...
The fundamental question for prosecutors is whether to try to force changes in XP before it ships to the public, or to let XP go to market but use it as, in effect, the star witness in upcoming hearings on what penalties should be imposed on Microsoft.

Full article.

 

[Pastore]

if they let them release it, isnt that considered entrapment?

 

[FelixDeCat]

Cant the government butt out already? Sheesh.

Im like, so ready for XP. No, not RC1, the REAL deal.

 

[Medea]

<if they let them release it, isnt that considered entrapment? >

No. Interesting question but entrapment is engaging in behavior which induces one to commit an illegal act which s/he otherwise would not have done.

 

[Medea]

I can see the release being blocked. Remember, the Appeals Court did affirm part of the District Court's rulings. XP can be deemed to be violating the rulings and be in violation of anti-trust laws. What seems to be the crux of the matter is:

&quot;These companies especially fear some of XP's new features, which offer users the ability not only to perform tasks on their computers such as produce digital photos, listen to music and watch streaming video, but also to easily do more, such as buy related products and services over the Internet. XP directs users to certain service providers, who may pay Microsoft for that placement. If users want to go to other providers, they must find them on their own.

Moreover, XP provides the technology for users to have secure digital identification for making purchases online, and for providers such as music companies to protect their copyrights. If enough users and companies sign on to those standards, Microsoft opponents worry, they would put the company on the cusp of being the platform, and potential tollbooth, of Internet commerce.&quot;

 

[SJ]

Is it so wrong for them to add features that make their product better? If the government has its way we would have to buy everythin seperately, which would end up costing more, than what XP would.

 

[Medea]

<Is it so wrong for them to add features that make their product better?>

No, but:

&quot;XP directs users to certain service providers, who may pay Microsoft for that placement. If users want to go to other providers, they must find them on their own.&quot;

IMO, MS always takes that extra step and pushes the envelope to make more money and ends up in positions like they're in now.

 

[guitronics]

I'd like to see Micro$oft split into at least ten companies.Gates doesn't need any more money.M$ isn't gonna doa anything to improve the &quot;Computing Experience&quot;.The smaller companies which M$ has trampled underfoot for so long should have &quot;The Ability to Innovate,and Compete&quot;.

I think Microsoft's day is coming,soon; and they brought it all on themselves.

 

[Syringer]

Since Bush is in favor of big business, shouldn't the feds start to lighten up on Microsoft? I dont' think XP will make that big of a difference...just let them release it!

 

[ToBeMe]

Yeah right......they're gonna' stop this just like 98, 2K, then ME right??? All this is is some politician wanting to boost his clout and either get re-elected, or, run for a higher office! Everyone knows MS wants to settle with the DOJ and these guys can say that they forced the deal!

No, they won't stop XP from coming on the 25th of Oct., what's more is the Gov. will give them the biggest order of XP! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.........you think MS is corrupt.......look into the Gov.!:Q

 

[SJ]

You got a point, they shouldn't bundle AOL with their operating systems. Would just make the world worse...

 

[Darein]

That seems a little too drastic. Im surprised Bush hasn't done anything yet.

 

[DaejangNim]

<< You got a point, they shouldn't bundle AOL with their operating systems. Would just make the world worse... >>


agreed !

 

[Elledan]

Win2k (5.0) and XP (5.1) are the same. The few differences between them are added bloat.

If XP is not released, it's not a huge loss for customers, because they can always buy Win2k, install IE 6.0, WMP 7 and some other bloat and the only thing they'll miss is the skinnable GUI. Big loss, eh?

 

[XCLAN]

shrug

 

[ElFenix]

its not just that microsoft adds &quot;features&quot; in a random manner but that then they sign exclusionary deals that disallow vendors to modify things. now that netscape is dead they've relented to show the courts that they're not the bad old microsoft. what a crock of sh!t. a guy goes on a rampage destroying things but then once everything is replaced he plays nice, hes still gonna be prosecuted for the rampage. somehow i think MS won't be.