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California Takes Issue With Microsoft Settlement Idea
Deepfoo writes: "Note from CNet on the California challenge to Microsoft's attempt to settle the 100 civil cases on file against it by donating equipment. The dissenters will argue that those harmed in the lawsuit aren't getting compensated directly in this way, and that the ploy of donating equipment to schools is a transparent effort to further extend its monopoly. The dissenting California lawyers estimate the actual damages due to Californians alone could be on the order of 3 to 9 billion (wide range, but that's what they've said). Is Microsoft a do-gooder, or up to no good?"
I think they are trying to extend the monopoly and get Apple and others out of the schools...
My two cents.
Procrastination; I'll think of a sig tomorrow.
> "Is Microsoft a do-gooder, or up to no good?"
Does anyone expect an objective response on Slashdot?
I'm sure this will get modded way down b/c /. is anti-microsoft, but it's not their fault they're a monopoly. If IBM had bought DOS from MS instead of just licensing it, or if Apple were more competent or if *NIX hadn't become so fragmented, or if consumers had a clue about anything computer related.
In short stop picking on Microsoft. They are the embodiment of capitalism and they got where they are mostly out of pure good luck. Hell, Bill has admitted hundreds of times that he was simply in the right place at the right time.
Slashdot, the site where everything's made up and the points don't matter
Let's just make sure we don't confuse Gates' (and Ballmer's and Allen's, etc.) own personal philanthropy with Microsoft Inc.'s brazen attempt to disguise a marketing ploy as a philanthropic endeavor
Some would do just that. - but I agree with you. Where do you draw the line? After all, the three you mentioned are the very same people who make the decision that MS should slip the k-y to everyone it can; an attitude that perpetuates down the hierarchy and into the rank-file. And as such, it's far more likely that Bill's "generosity" comes from a misguided attempt to make up for a lack of business ethics, and general moral compass. As top dogs these guys could be settings positive standards but choose otherwise. No shareholder would complain if profits were *only* 5 billion where the company was seen as a positive force in the industry vs the current EVIL EMPIRE attitude but making 6 billion..
Wait!
It's um . . . uh.
Crap!
Let me check my copy of "Slashdot Answers to Microsoft Questions For Dummys". Here it is!
What was the question?
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