Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

RealPC For Mac Delayed By MS Cease And Desist

Posted by timothy on from the but-you-can-still-open-98-windows dept.

mgh02114 writes "Microsoft recently purchased the Windows-on-a-Mac emulation program "Virtual PC" from Connectix. Since then, FWB announced that they were working to revive their competing 'Real PC' Windows emulation program for Macintosh OS X. Well, now it looks like Microsoft is trying to kill that program as well. FWB announced that: 'FWB is working diligently to update Real PC and Softwindows for OSX. In May, while working on this project, we received a setback in the form of a cease and desist letter from Microsoft. We are working to resolve the issues with Microsoft, and this has caused some delay, much to our frustration. We are committed to having a beta for you to test for us and help us optimize, this summer. We think we have only lost a few weeks of time to this issue.' FWB appreciates your continued patience and support."

3 of 100 comments (clear)

  1. What? by C0LDFusion · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Windows DOESN'T WANT MORE WINDOWS USERS? In order to run windows on a Mac, you have to buy the license to run the Windows, even with VPC-style emulation.

    This is a load of status-quo crap that Microsoft wants to cram down the throats of those of us who like the Mac platform.

    --
    Only in slashdot are posts of solidarity modded at -1 Redundant, while posts of antagonism are modded as -1 Flamebait.
    1. Re:What? by jimbolaya · · Score: 4, Interesting

      It could be that Microsoft plans on killing VPC, and doesn't want there to be any way to run Windows on Mac. Or it could be that Microsoft wants to monopolize Windows emulation on the Mac. But this is Microsoft...surely they wouldn't try to pull either one of those, would they?

      --

      There ain't no rules here; we're trying to accomplish something.

  2. Re:Don't Panic by Daleks · · Score: 4, Interesting

    It could be something as simple as a product naming/trademark issue.

    It's not. Connectix paid FWB off to stop making SoftWindows so VirtualPC would be the only game in town. When MS bought VirtualPC from Connectix, this agreement was null and void from FWB's point of view. Apparently MS differs.

    More info here.