[Lancaster] Microsoft Getting Paid for Patents in Linux?

[Ken Hough]

Martyn Welch wrote:
> Ken Hough wrote:
>> I've just seen this article:
>> http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/11/1443211
>>
>> As a long time and very satisfied user of SuSE (now under Novell), this
>> upsets me. How can the Linux fraternity best respond?
>
> Hi Ken,
>
> I think that there are a few avenues open to us as users:
>
>
> 1) Stop using distributions known to have done deals - this sends a
> message that we really won't tolerate this kind of behaviour.
>
> 2) If you are using one of the know offenders and have paid for it,
> complain.
>
> 3) Fight against software patents. No patents, no problem. If we can
> minimise there spread it might even cause America to rethink it's
> policies since it will be placing them at a competitive disadvantage
> globally (well, it's wishful thinking, but not impossible).
>
> 4) Help spread free software. The wider it's adopted the less windows
> is being used. This has the effect of lowering there income (and
> therefore potential R&D) and will increase the development and R&D
> that companies and individuals will pour into FLOSS. This, in the long
> term, will mean more technologies will appear in Linux and other open
> source software first, thereby either stopping patents being granted
> (prior art) or possibly providing patents for cross licensing.
>
> Martyn
>
Hi Martyn,

Good to 'hear' from you. I trust all is well in the deep south.   ;-)

Yes, in principle I aggree with the above, but I really don't wish to
give up on a damn good distro that I already have quite a lot of user
experience with.

Regards

Ken Hough