The verdict

[rtgwbmsr]

Click here to view the result (sort of) of the M$ anti-trust case:
http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/microsoft-2001.html

The decision isn't final, and can be appealed by the 9 states.

If you need a dumbed down version from a biased source:
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-964278.html

[ November 01, 2002: Message edited by: The_Muffin_Man/B0b ]

[voidmain]

It's a done deal. Did anyone seriously think anything would happen other than a slap on the wrist? I would much rather see Microsoft fall on their own thought, which will happen.

[davebrock]

Well well well, i been away a while but this so called verdict? wtf? i've just been readin through slashdot on this issue and to be honest that "as long as it doesn't affect OS security (ie whatever MS decides is a security issue, and we all know their history on THAT) or some such, just completely leaves the whole question of what MS has to give up as, basically totally up to to MS!!!
Can U say puhlease!
Also, call me dumb (I know you will but where is anything about OEMs being able to sell systems without MS OS? or is that just too unthinkable? It seems like this proposed? settlement is to do with OEMs being able to modify the MS OS that is shipped with their system OR sell systems which can dual boot MS OS + other! So can OEMS now start selling Linux/other systems with 0% MS with no hassle from M$? (and of course what the fuckin right has MS to say what goes on an OEM 'puter anyway!!! Well you know the story of that!)
PPS MS? Fuck em to hell and back, an when they come back, fuck em again!
Let me know

[pkd_lives]

quote:Originally posted by hmd:

Also, call me dumb (I know you will but where is anything about OEMs being able to sell systems without MS OS? or is that just too unthinkable? It seems like this proposed? settlement is to do with OEMs being able to modify the MS OS that is shipped with their system OR sell systems which can dual boot MS OS + other! So can OEMS now start selling Linux/other systems with 0% MS with no hassle from M$? (and of course what the fuckin right has MS to say what goes on an OEM 'puter anyway!!! Well you know the story of that!)

I second this feeling it is the bit that annoys me. It is very unclear, but I am pretty sure that it means they can now sell a computer without Outlook express but not WiMP and IE (as they are now deemed integral to the OS) - which are the items they were found guilty of using in a manner fitting of anti-trust - which basically means that the whole farce has achieved nothing of significance.

And you can bet anything you have that no big vendor will be released from having to sell
M$s' inferior OSs to those of us who can actually use a computer (format C: is NOT programming).

With regards the settlement - the Judge is quite correct in that the case was way too biased towards the big competitors, I care more about the small guys trying to make a living with their own ideas - these people have no better protection thanks to this. I mean the original case was a small guy done good and made a success, if it had not been for M$ Nutscrape may have stayed independant and remained technically good.