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Microsoft Was Distributing Ubuntu Linux

Posted by Zonk on from the but-not-so-much-anymore dept.

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.'"

7 of 281 comments (clear)

  1. Am I wrong? by moderatorrater · · Score: 4, Informative

    Or do I see that Microsoft was merely putting a link to a place where you can download Ubuntu? Wouldn't this free Microsoft from any obligations under the GPL?

  2. Re:System Requirements by Jugalator · · Score: 4, Informative

    You can run all those operating systems virtualized from within Ubuntu, so I guess technically they're supported. ;-)

    --
    Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
  3. you are correct by number6x · · Score: 4, Informative

    Windows Marketplace had a link to CNET's Download.com site. So MS was not distributing.

    Still humorous though!

  4. Re:confusing by _Sprocket_ · · Score: 4, Informative

    Microsoft can certainly fire the employee, but they nevertheless distributed Ubuntu, which includes alot of GPL-software. This means that they are bound by the terms of the GPL. Among other things, this means that:


    Microsoft has distributed GPL software in the past (Services for Unix). Just not Linux per se.
  5. It's a CNET thing by KarmaMB84 · · Score: 5, Informative

    You can get listed in the Windows Marketplace by signing up with a Microsoft partner or by signing up with CNET.com. Items in the Windows category end up in the same or equivalent category as they are on Download.com.

    From the how to get listed page at the Windows Marketplace:
    "Packaged Software, Hardware, & Devices: If your product is available in packaged format, you can offer it at Windows Marketplace by signing up with CNET.com."

    The category for Ubuntu form Download.com:
    Windows > Utilities & Drivers > Device Drivers > BIOS & System Updates

    Eerily familiar, no?

    This is a total non-story. Microsoft isn't distributing anything and CNET needs to fix their categories.

  6. Re:confusing by MrNiceguy_KS · · Score: 4, Informative

    I think that the parent posters aren't speculating on Microsoft having to open up any of their code. I read them as speculating on how it affects their nebulous claims of patent infringement in Linux. Basically, one can argue that they no longer can pursue patent infringement cases regarding code that they have distributed. IANAL and have no idea of the validity of this argument, but it certainly is intriguing. Anyone qualified to comment on this?

    --
    Redundancy is good And also good.
  7. Re:confusing by _Sprocket_ · · Score: 4, Informative

    Services for UNIX is derived from OpenBSD 3.0 sources.


    Services for Unix also includes various GNU utilities licensed under the GPL. Just for giggles:

    ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/interix/interix22 /GPL.TXT