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Microsoft's New Core OS Team Learning from Linux
sokk writes "Seems like Microsoft is paying attention to the Linux way of doing things. According to itworld.com, a new central engineering division will work on the core of Windows: "The Windows Core Operating System Division (COSD), within the company's Platforms Group, will be responsible for the core OS platform, including development, program management and testing, Microsoft said in a statement sent via e-mail.". A little further down the page analyst Rob Enderle: "They have been studying Linux extensively. Part of their study has been on how Linux has been able to maintain a high level of consistency in the kernel while groups around it maintain maximum flexibility,".
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My immediate concern is that a huge company like Microsoft that owns patents on all kinds of trivial concepts will next be telling us, "Hey, we found the following Microsoft patented technologies in there while we were poking around! But don't worry, we're a nice company. Just get rid of the infringing code and we'll let it slide. Oh wait, that's 97.5% of your kernel by our estimates."
Hard to say though, as they haven't been that agressive before, and indeed came up on the short end of the stick in a recent patent dispute.
Seriously, If you were MS wouldnt you want to know how a bunch of wierdo hackers from around the world keep things like the kernel SANE ?
With all the development and patches, etc most of us take the kernel stability for granted.
MS Has absolute control over every aspect of their development and CANT EVEN COME CLOSE to the code procedures that surround kernel development.
Kinda funny such a diverse group hacker can build a proccess for kernel patches and updates that is superior to a company that has control over all aspects of their kernel development.
I ordered a Dell laptop with XP and Office, plugged it in, typed my name in, and typed in the darn activation code, and was working in less that three minutes. It was sweet.
It just works. It's almost Apple-Like, except that Office on Windows works better.
Conversely, my fresh Comp Sci PhD Linux geek spent hours getting Red Hat to work. Periodically, he still fiddles with patches and user access. I'm trying work, or at least to surf the web. I don't need those hassles. Neither do almost all non-developers.
And while adequate, Open Office can't hold a candle to Office. It's like comparing a Mercedes S600 and a 1985 Buick Riviera. Both big and bloated, both transportation, but one is powered by a monster V12 and covered in hand-stiched leather.
And internet explorer. Free. Fast. Always supported. Who cares about other browsers?
"All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Hmm, what was that old Microsoft anti-open source argument? That open source doesn't innovate, it is simply copying Microsoft technology? Looks like the shoe in on the other foot, and the foot is firmly planted in the M$ mouth now, doesn't it?
"Freedom means freedom for everybody" -- Dick Cheney
Windows has the weight of legacy? What about XFree86? I've never seen so many computer users afraid of change like X users.
"Sufferin' succotash."
Microsoft will not win over linux in the market place
Have you seen the latest figures for desktop operating systems?
Hey, while we're at it, can I get a copy of your house key? What do you mean, 'no'? Why not? Isn't restricting what people copy an inherent burden that is no longer workable in the information age?