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Microsoft Bans Open Source From the Windows Market
Blacklaw writes "Microsoft has raised the ire of the open source community with its Windows Marketplace licence by specifically refusing to allow software covered under an open licence to be distributed. The licence, which anyone wishing to distribute Windows, Windows Phone, or Xbox applications through the company's copy of Apple's App Store is required to agree to, is the usual torrent of legalese — but hides a nasty surprise for those who support open source ideals."
This anti–open-source issue is what Nokia has now married itself to for its phones.
I wonder if Nokia knew about this *before* the ceremony, or if this is like growing a beer belly right after the honeymoon?
Just as (IIRC) Microsoft completely owns all video or audio you send out over their network using Kinect.
I think their motto is something like, "Do every evil," right? :/
More likely it's just because Bill Gates' protege Ballmer doesn't think software should be free. See his infamous Computer Users Group letter from circa 1977. He cited the unfairness of gaining the benefits of software authors' time, effort, and capital without paying them.
It's also reminiscent of how Microsoft sent letters to schools warning them that using open source and/or pirated software could be dangerous with possible legal consequences. As a result we have stories like Karen the Teacher sending a student to detention, because he was handing-out Linux OS discs. (She thought she was doing the right thing based upon Microsoft's warnings.*)
MS actively fights against open source.
*
* "No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful. These children look up to adults for guidance and discipline. I will research this as time allows and I want to assure you, if you are doing anything illegal, I will pursue charges as the law allows."
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
More likely it's just because Bill Gates' protege Ballmer doesn't think software should be free. See his infamous Computer Users Group letter from circa 1977.
The letter was from Gates.
The tens of millions the Moz Foundation receives each years from AdSense means that Moz can afford to pay competive wages to a full time staff.
Freedom is not the freedom to pirate.
"Free as in Freedom" is not the same thing as "Free as in Beer."
It's also reminiscent of how Microsoft sent letters to schools warning them that using open source and/or pirated software could be dangerous with possible legal consequences. As a result we have stories like Karen the Teacher sending a student to detention, because he was handing-out Linux OS discs. (She thought she was doing the right thing based upon Microsoft's warnings.)
She was doing the right thing.
Little Johnny's Dad calls in to tell the Superintendent that his hard drive was wiped.
That is not a win for Linux.
Does you employer allow you to pass out software at work from unknown/untrusted sources?
I didn't think so.