Posted on 02/17/2005 7:32:53 AM PST by N3WBI3
As some of you may know, Microsoft is planning to totally restrict access to the Microsoft download center to all non-genuine windows users. So you would expect some check for pirated copies of windows to be involved. If you visit the download center with IE you get an activex control, but if you try with Firefox, you'll have to download a little program, that returns a code you have to copy into the download page, to get access to the download you selected. By quickly looking at the program, I noticed it looks for a registry key, this key is...
SOFTWARE\Wine\Wine\Config
the wine configuration key. the Windows Genuine Advantage program press release says that in the second half of 2005, all users connecting to the Microsoft download center or to windows update will have to validate their copy of windows. Interestingly if you run the validation program on wine, and the version of windows you're emulating is prior to 2000 or is windows server 20003, you get a message saying a validation code couldn't be found, because of technical difficulties or because you're running an unsupported operating system. If you set winver to win2000, you'll get a validation code that doesn't work, this may be a bug in wine, or in the validation program. A valid and working code is returned if the version is set to xp. Still, even if this is only an initial attempt, they appear to want to discriminate wine users, while this may be acceptable for operating system components/updates, this is probably a violation of anti-trust law for all other downloads. It's also the first time Microsoft acknowledges the existence of Wine.
That analogy is flawed. A better one would be Chevy refusing to support a recall fix on, say, the air conditioning system because the vehicle contains a Ford transmission. Still not a great analogy, but it removes the flaw in yours in that the Microsoft's support for one product is being tied to the use of a second product.
If the WINE users aren't using MS apps, then what the heck are they downloading from MS Update? Either the users in question have purchased a EULA for an MS app, or they're common pirates. If the latter case is true, then the behavior of MS Update is a non-issue; the pirate's claim to software is illegitimate in any case.
If the former case is true, however, and the WINE user has purchased a EULA for, say, MS PowerPoint (just as an example), and MS is deliberately discriminating against updating their app software simply because they've got WINE on their machine, then the consumer deserves a refund.
8. ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE/SERVICES. This EULA applies to updates, supplements, add-on components, or Internet-based services components, of the Software that Microsoft may provide to you or make available to you after the date you obtain your initial copy of the Software, unless they are accompanied by separate terms. Microsoft reserves the right to discontinue Internet-based services provided to you or made available to you through the use of the Software. Emphasis added.
It shall be unlawful for any person engaged in commerce, in the course of such commerce, to be a party to, or assist in, any transaction of sale, or contract to sell, which discriminates to his knowledge against competitors
But Microsoft purposely designed their software to FAIL to run Quarterdeck's software.
But remember, just because a clause is in an agreement doesn't make it lawful. However, it can shift the burden to the consumer to make a showing that it is unlawful.
" It's kind of like Ford saying that if you've got a Chevy in your garage, you aren't allowed to obtain replacement parts for your F150 pickup truck."
I agree, that's probably a better analogy. As sucky as their attitude an behavior might be, I still think MS is within their legal rights to do it.
If they purchased the EULA, then read post #64. MS can cut them off for any reason they deem appropriate. It sucks, but its legal, AFAICT.
yes, Microsoft broke a loicense agreement with SUN, and in doing so was breaking the main useful point of java, cross platform portability of all code...
Well, there it is, then. MS reserves the right to keep you from accessing online updates for whatever reason they see fit.
This should represent an opportunity in the marketplace, I would think.
Thanks I think youre neat as well ;)
The Visual J++ microsoft released included libraries which were not part of Java, and the code generated using these functions would not run through SUN's JVM's. This was a clear violation by MS and an attempt to fragment Java.
Thanks I think youre neat as well ;)
I missed something. Were you being sarcastic? I writen so many things and deleted so many things i've kind of lost track of what I've actually been saying :)
I love the wording of this one. Where can I download wine? How much disk space is needed? Do I need to provide my own bottles?
I have xp pro and changed computers. I contacted them by phone and got someone in india to authorise my copy. Funny thing is that the phone number given for my area (Seattle) had been disconnected. I used a number for Canadian users no problem.
I am running it on a 400mhz pentium II. When I dump that computer (soon), I'll have to make yet another call. They must hate people that keep moving their operating system from one computer to another.
In your post you pointed out that I said manuals were not legal documents, and were quite polite about it.. I was just returning the favor, sorry for any confusion..
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