On Sat, Sep 07, 2002 at 07:16:06PM +0800, Michael Peligro wrote: > Just wondering... > > What if Microsoft studies the Linux kernel and actually understands it. It > then copies what it can and modifies it for use in the Windows kernel. What > if the Windows kernel actually becomes stable and high-performance because > it's based on the Linux kernel and other open source technology shameless > used for free without us knowing? > > How do we know they're not wantonly using (or ripping) any Linux technology to > their own advantage? Since they're not required to publish their source code, > can they get away with it?
MS is allowed to study the code (there's nothing wrong with studying...). What is forbidden for them would be to rip the code, add proprietary extensions and close the derivative product under a non-GPL compliant license. Afaik, the GPL doesn't involve copyrighting the algorithms... so unless one would use GPL'd code in a project, the derivative need not be GPL'd. But it doesn't mean that one ain't allowed to study the algorithms behind the code. I don't know, but this might be the reason why a few entities have patented their code despite being already GPL'd. Perhaps as protection for the algorithms? Duhhh... > I'm afraid that this can happen and give Windows the much-needed technological > edge. Rip-off hard-earned, priceless GPL hacks, embed it in Windows, and hide > it in their monopolistic EULAs and copyright. Using their strength as a > systems integrator, they can actually integrate the different Linux > utilities, hide them in different dlls and other run-time libraries, then put > a user-friendly interface to it. Companies are very careful with the licensing of their code, afaik. I'm not sure of how their mechanisms for code auditing goes (it's in the realm of SE). -- Paolo Alexis Falcone [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it." _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
