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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.'"
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
WulframII - Free Online Mutiplayer 3D Tank Shooting Game
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!
... thought it was a bit cold outside, did hell REALLY freeze over?
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.
I want to drag this out as long as possible. Bring me my protractor.
I downloaded and installed Unbuntu from the Microsoft page. Does anyone know where I can find a link to Rebuntu?
That makes a lot of sense, either that or a Microsoft grunt was playing a practical joke (whoever is responsible: they're playing with chairs IMO).
The breadcrumbs for that page backup your theory:
Pretty weird place to put the download if they meant to be distributing it. :)
I'm going to transform myself into a mighty hawk. Either that or I'll just go and work at Dixons, haven't decided yet.
Ah... apparently the download link was redirecting to CNET. So I guess Microsoft can claim, as they do with the Novel coupons, that they are not the ones actually distributing the binaries hence not bound by the GPL.
You also have the debate as to whether they were a distributor or merely a Vendor. If Staples carries a boxed copy of RHEL, they're not bound by the GPL anymore than they're bound by the EULA for Windows for carrying Vista.
Since it wasn't a Microsoft-Branded product, and was in their "Marketplace" area, not their downloads, they probably haven't incurred any liabilities at all.
-Pope Peter Porker, S.O.W., K.M.K.R., U.G.O.A., F.S.G.S.D.
Too bad that argument doesn't work for torrent trackers. Yay double standard!
=Smidge=
There's probably a shitload of free chairs in their parking lot today, too.
Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
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.
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).