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.

 

[ToBeMe]

Politics 101..............that's all this is! They aren't going to block XP just like they didn't block 98, 2K, or ME! They have MS in a situation where MS wants to settle the DOJ suit and this will be a huge feather in the caps of the politicians puching it if they can make MS squirm. Thing is, if you follow this stuff at all, even with ME, they started like 6 months from the release date and failed to do anything! They Government isn't going to stop XP.....hell who do you think will place one of the biggest orders for XP as soon as it's available????????:Q:Q Politics............a group of guys get their names in the spotlight for going up against MS...........just watch the Senate, House elections coming up.......think it's coincidence the guys doing this are up for re-election?????? Hell, one or two may even try for a higher spot in '04 with this......especially if they make enough noise!

 

[corkyg]

Political posturing aside . . . I would love to see it blocked until they eliminate the rediculous activation code. (50 digits is beyond reason!)

The law allows me to use the same package on my desktop and my laptop as long as I don't run them at the same time. This latest scheme would not allow that . . . what I have runs very well . . . very stable and no hardware problems. So . . . why should I change into that sort of harrassing environment?

As it is now, I would not buy it regardless of the governments political machinations.

 

[Medea]

Oh, it's definitely politics - but it does look like they have them between the infamous rock and hard place. It may not only force MS to settle, but it could also result in forcing MS to remove some of the features in XP.

 

[ToBeMe]

Oh, I honestly believe they may settle soon.......but the changes aren't going to involve Activation! Personally, it doesn;t bother me. I've had to deal with other software with similar requirements already and figured this was just a matter of time! Really, it's not a big deal either, doesn't take any time and they've already loosened the restrictions......hell, if I change 4 or 5 things every 2 or 3 months as it's going to be in final XP........I'd reactivate it! That's like 20 new pieces of hardware a year! Hell, just buy another system! LOL!

Actually, I believe if they could figure out a decent way to allow you to use it on a dektop & Lappy......I think they would. That's not what they are out against......it's the casual copiers & big timers..........I just doubt this will curtail them all that much......to many cracks already!

I already know I'm getting a Corporate version for my business and that won't require activation/registration.......but, I'll buy at least a couple of copies for home too. I've had most of the builds and am on RC2 as we type.......I've yet to have a BSOD, Lock-Up, anything! It's compatibale and hell, I never worry about rebooting at all anymore! Yeah, I'll divy up for it on the 25th.......or before......got an invitation from MS through my business for the prelim. blow out and pre sales ordering! I'll be there.........love those free gifts!

 

[DaHitman]

<< &quot;Given enough time, Linux will eventually look like and become like Windows&quot; - ME
>>



Nice sig..

I would amend to:
Given enough time, Linux will eventually look like and become like Windows, EXCEPT it will WORK, and be FREE.



Have a good one..

 

[smp]

Sorry ToBeMe, I was just wondering.... You must have been one of those kids in high school that wouldn't leave the class when everyone else was planning a walk out, therefore ruining it for the rest of the kids.. always fallowing orders eh?
</nerd attack> sorry

I think that for whatever reason, it's good that the government is excercising a little power on microsoft... I'm not comfortable with corporations having more power than the 'elected' government.

As a side note, I think that the government is as big a piece of crap as microsoft. Another side note, the only reason that us priveledged people in Canada and the US can sit here at our supercomputers and whine about XP (which is yet another sham to add to all shams) is because we're doing so at the expense of the rest of the world. </altruism>

&quot;why would anyone stick out there neck?
He's got his, and I've got mine.&quot;

 

[ToBeMe]

<< Sorry ToBeMe, I was just wondering.... You must have been one of those kids in high school that wouldn't leave the class when everyone else was planning a walk out, therefore ruining it for the rest of the kids.. always fallowing orders eh? >>



If you don't like my opinion, fine, but, to be honest, can you sit there and tell me it's not more than likely correct???? Or can you only flame when you know you're wrong????:Q Did they stop 98? 2K? ME?.......:Q No, they didn't, and they won't stop XP either! The US Gov. has the largest contract with MS, and MS has one of the most powerful lobbiest groups in DC. All this is, is political games!

As for the product itself, if you don't like it, nobody's making you upgrade, or buy it period.......SO DON'T! MS sure as hell doesn't need your money! LOL! I, on the other hand, run a business and have had a LOT of requests and inquirys about XP. Three corporate service contracts we have, have already committed to upgrading to XP and I know of many others whom skipped 2K that are also making the move soon after it's release. You'd probably tell me I should use Linux right? Well, I do, for some things, but, for others Linux is just not a viable alternative. Correspondence with the companies I deal with daily requires MS Office........my accountant requires Quickbooks Pro and syncs my data online........it's just not feasable for everyday operstions in most business circumstances!

EDIT: Had a different response posted.........but then reconsidered it because I realized that the only reason smp chose to take his shots at me are.....he knows I'm right and can't stand that! Instead of flaming though, why don't you try to give a counter position or prove where it is I'm wrong!:Q ..........If you can!

 

[madthumbs]

I think XP should be free. We've been screwed by M$ releasing admittedly unstable OS's, and whiping out alternate softwares for a while now. We should not have to pay them for something they should owe us.

 

[murdock2525]

<<

<< &quot;Given enough time, Linux will eventually look like and become like Windows&quot; - ME
>>



Nice sig..

I would amend to:
Given enough time, Linux will eventually look like and become like Windows, EXCEPT it will WORK, and be FREE.



Have a good one.. >>



I hope no one has a stroke..................Me/ Linux ? LOL
Anyone fool with SUSE Pro ? Hitman ?
It's damn near Windows.......Prolly 2 more releases and it could be a contender,.... Generally I hated Linux but this thing is almost a &quot;real OS &quot;. Painless installation, lotsa apps.Drivers....pretty damn nice..
Keep in mind tho..It's not actually &quot;free&quot; which has been the whole problem with Linux distro's...until now....Like anything..you get what you pay for.
This is the &quot;other OS' to keep your eyes on.....
Jees...sorry I got off topic...sort of ????

 

[Nevo]

<< The law allows me to use the same package on my desktop and my laptop as long as I don't run them at the same time. This latest scheme would not allow >>



Uh... Corky, what law would that be?

If you buy a software product, you're bound by the terms of the license agreement.

 

[Bremen]

<< If you buy a software product, you're bound by the terms of the license agreement >>

Except where the law states otherwise. They can put whatever they want in a license agreement, but if the law dosn't allow it, or says something contrary, it is not enforceable.