Microsoft Was Distributing Ubuntu Linux

ausage writes "Groklaw has noted that for the last few days, Microsoft has been distributing Unbuntu Desktop Linux from the Windows Marketplace Website. The page is gone now, but can still — as of this morning — be seen using Google cache. 'Heaven only knows that's true, simply perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. The part Microsoft got wrong is it says the license is "Free" and "No limitations". Actually, the GPL does set some limitations, like what you are responsible to do if you redistribute.'"

Comments

BWHAHAH

[jrwr00]

Arg! our Linux spy have bee found! he was going to make a windows update to reinstall windows as Ubuntu, Oh well i guess this works

Interesting to see what comes out of this

[pembo13]

I've been trying to get an Ubuntu laptop myself, maybe Microsoft can give me a laptop too.

Re:Interesting to see what comes out of this

[Rude Turnip]

There's probably a shitload of free chairs in their parking lot today, too.

Re:Interesting to see what comes out of this

[laffer1]

Broken executive chairs...

First Post! or maybe not

[Anonymous Coward]

I think my first post is missing because:

1) It was on a blackberry confiscated by the communist French govt.
2) I was ready to post, but the lake I was fishing on suddenly disappeared
3) I was 4th born in my family and I'm too stupid to post
4) ???
5) Profit!

MS distributing a Linux distro?

[jshriverWVU]

... thought it was a bit cold outside, did hell REALLY freeze over?

Re:MS distributing a Linux distro?

[MMC Monster]

Australia?

Re:MS distributing a Linux distro?

[robbiethefett]

you mean he was right that flying apple PCs would be unleashed from the gates of hell to swarm the redmond campus and shower the earth with hard-to-use keyboards? or was he right about one of the other 99999 ridiculous predictions?

"Unbuntu"?

[sczimme]

From the summary:

"Groklaw has noted that for the last few days, Microsoft has been distributing Unbuntu Desktop Linux from the Windows Marketplace Website.

However, according to the cached page Microsoft spelled 'Ubuntu' correctly.

Rebuntu link?

[Anonymous Coward]

I downloaded and installed Unbuntu from the Microsoft page. Does anyone know where I can find a link to Rebuntu?

Re:Rebuntu link?

[halfloaded]

It will be out later this year when MS releases Service Pack 1 for Unbuntu.

Re:Rebuntu link?

[Valdrax]

I thought one of Linux's advantages was that you didn't really need to Rebuntu so often.
Also -- obligatory xkcd.

Re:System Requirements

[IWannaBeAnAC]

Does it use a Windows-based installer?

System requirements

[Nimey]

From the cached page:

Windows 3.x
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows Me
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows MCE
Windows 2003 Server

*snerk* The Windows 3.1 requirement really makes this post.

SP1

[MadUndergrad]

They only took it down because they forgot to replace all instances of "Ubuntu" with "Vista SP1". It'll be back fairly shortly, I'm sure.

Re:confusing

[Jugalator]

At least it got 11000 downloads -- not too shabby! :-)

Performance Review

[norminator]

I can't even imagine why they would do this [...] Hacked off employee that got a bad performance review?

Well, I'm pretty sure his next review is going to be even worse.

Where can I

[Wooky_linuxer]

get the code? I downloaded this funky utility called Ubuntu from Microsoft, and it says in a funny EULA called GPL or something that I should be able to get the source code from whoever distributes it. Since my Windows system has been rock stable and much quicker after I installed this utility, I guess it's a keeper, and I think it is a pretty good marketing idea from Redmond to let us see how do they actually program these things. Course, this Ubuntu stuff is only a utilty or a driver according to that page, but even then this is pretty slick. Can you imagine if someone would let us see the source code for, say, a a WHOLE OPERATING SYSTEM? wow! Perhaps that is MS next step and this whole Ubuntu downloads are a marketing test. So spread the word guys...

Re:Where can I

[otacon]

I had modpoints but there was no -1 Dense

Re:Distributing?

[Knuckles]

Looks to me as if they'd have a hard time suing you over patents though.

Which version was it?

[fishthegeek]

Ubuntu Home Basic
Ubuntu Home Premium
Ubuntu Ultimate
Ubuntu Business
or
Ubuntu Home Server?

Re:confusing

[Anonymous Coward]

Microsoft can claim what they want, they entered into voucher distribution willfully and with full knowledge that GPL2 covered indirect distribution. They weren't distributing via their marketplace, it's a simple link to a product available elsewhere.

There's a world of difference between telling someone where to download something and selling them a voucher directly redeemable against a product and commercial support package. If I tell you there's a guy down the road selling crack then I'm not supplying it. If I sell you a voucher redeemable for crack from the dealer down the block, I am indirectly supplying it.

Disclaimer: IANACD (I Am Not A Crack Dealer).

I've tried it

[AlgorithMan]

I've downloaded and installed it
looks nice, feels nice... only one thing disturbs me... every once in a while a paperclip appears and saies

It looks like you are trying to switch to linux.
How can I help you to stay honest?
- show me bogus statistics about how much better and more secure windows is
- threat me with patent lawsuits
- offer me more DRM

Oh, no!

[objekt]

Now how will Linux ever be taken seriously for business use if MS isn't behind it?

Uh, So what??

[oni]

Anyone can ask for source code from Microsoft.

Yeah, anyone can ask for source code for Ubuntu from Microsoft. So what?? You make it sound like OMFG NOW THEY HAVE TO GIVE ME WINDOWS!!!111oneone

Re:confusing

[WrongSizeGlass]

Disclaimer: IANACD (I Am Not A Crack Dealer). DYKOWTV? (Do you know one who takes vouchers?)

Re:First Post! or maybe not

[Anonymous Coward]

4.1) Your 237 mile wifi link failed
4.2) Chavez' gangsters hijacked your connection, your message was a conspiracy to overthrow his goverment
4.3) You were using a microsoft modified ubuntu installation, that surprisingly, was full of bugs