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?"

Comments

Re:Carnegie Libraries

[_Mustang]

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..

I know this one!

[Rexburg]

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?