Did Microsoft Borrow GPL Code For a Windows 7 Utility?

Goatbert writes "Rafael Rivera over at WithinWindows.com has found evidence that Microsoft has potentially stolen code from an open source/GPL'd project (ImageMaster) for a utility made available on the Microsoft Store to allow download customers to copy the Windows 7 setup files to a DVD or USB Flash Drive. If Rivera's evidence holds up, this could be some serious egg in the face for Microsoft at a time when they're getting mostly good press from the tech media."

Comments

Re:Knee jerk

[Blakey Rat]

But this is Slashdot!

Without wild speculation there wouldn't hardly be any stories at all! And of course you have to get the 2-minutes hate for Microsoft going early.

Re:"Obviously lifted" not so obvious

[TheRaven64]

Someone who knows that the real version would be called ReadBytesEx() because the first version didn't properly support some of the options required and they needed to maintain ABI compatibility.

They are both violating my copyright

[Locke2005]

I've written subroutines called "ReadByte" several times, so obviously both the Microsoft code and the GPL code is in violation of my company's copyright! (BTW, if the ReadBytes routine doesn't have a buffer size parameter and return the actual number of bytes read, it is bad code.)

Re:Knee jerk

[Dr. Evil]

Oh no. Evidence is not required in this case. This failure to comply with the GPL means that Microsoft is governed by Copyright law in this matter.

Their Internet service provider must be notified so that their Internet connection can be terminated.

Re:"Obviously lifted" not so obvious

[noidentity]

I've just written my first program, and I licensed it under the GPL. Guess what? A bunch of people have already ripped me off! So I can understand this guy's situation. Here's the source, BTW:

#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
printf( "Hello, world!\n" );
return 0;
}

Re:not sureprised

[sgt_doom]

Holy Crap! Mc@oftware steal code????

Next someone will be accusing them of licensing other companies' code and then secretly incorporating it as part of their OS!! Geez, or someone will accuse them of sueing to death the original legal owner of the name, Internet Explorer. Geez, next someone will accuse their foundation of having far more investments in companies supporting bloody and violent African mercenary armies compared to what little good their foundation does in comparison to the actual harm.

Re:not sureprised

[buchner.johannes]

Because stealing BSD-licensed code is boring ;-)

Re:not sureprised

[ClosedSource]

"They did it -- without IBM parts!"

Yes, because we know that all of IBM's computers before the PC were made up exclusively of IBM parts. You should have seen their steel foundry in those days - impressive!

Re:It's not "stealing"...right?

[Hal_Porter]

That's not true. Bill Gates gives away all his money to children in developing countries. Every time you buy a copy of Windows 7 some cute African kid gets her malaria cured. If you use Linux that kid DIES.