Monday, February 16, 2004

MS dominance poses security threat Biology stirs software 'monoculture' debate Dan Geer lost his job, but gained his audience. The very idea that got the computer security expert fired has sparked serious debate in information technology. The idea, borrowed from biology, is that Microsoft Corp. has nurtured a software "monoculture" that threatens global computer security....more [CNN] A great example of the price of speaking your mind. The concept is so simple and so elegant, and so hard to really argue against...mj 11:42:55 PM

Wednesday, January 28, 2004

Gates takes a side-swipe at Apple, Linux security As the MyDoom virus spread rapidly across the Internet on Monday, Bill Gates extolled the value of such attacks and warned against other operating systems' complacency [...] "A high volume system like [Windows] that has been thoroughly tested will be by far the most secure," Gates told the audience at the Developing Software for the future Microsoft Platform conference at London's Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. "To say a system is secure because no one is attacking it is very dangerous," said Gates, referring to operating systems that have a smaller share of the desktop market, such as Apple Mac OS and Linux...more [ZDnet UK] HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!! My OS is more secure because it's so insecure. Bill you really reached on that one...mj 1:32:10 AM

Monday, January 26, 2004

Microsoft seeks XML-related patents Microsoft has applied for patents that could prevent competing applications from processing documents created with the latest version of the software giant's Office program. The company filed patent applications in New Zealand and the European Union that cover word processing documents stored in the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. The proposed patent would cover methods for an application other than the original word processor to access data in the document. The U.S. Patent Office had no record of a similar application. [...] XML capabilities have been one of the main selling points for Office 2003. The patents could create a barrier for competing software, such as future versions of OpenOffice and StarOffice, from working with Microsoft's XML format...more [CNET] This harkens back to the bad old days that gave Microsoft it's monopoly hold over the computer world. By controlling the document format, Microsoft was able to force companies to convert. If you have only one way to access a universal document type, you have no choice but to use the product associated with it. It also allows you over time to force upgrades. This would address two of Microsoft's biggest threats, open source, and slow migration to newer programs...mj 9:21:47 AM

Saturday, January 24, 2004

Apple's core: The Mac turns 20 Despite Microsoft's dominance, Apple fans remain loyal Its dedicated users are so passionate they're often described as religious about their love for the machine. Twenty years ago, on January 24, 1984, Apple Computer launched the Macintosh. It contained virtually unknown features, including simple icons, and an odd little attachment called a mouse...more [CNN] 20 years ago today computers were turned from machines without personality, to machines you could personalize to your hearts content. The future of computers was put on display and nothing has been the same. This is more then just hyperbole, it's true. Whether you are on a Mac, Windows, or Linux, the interface you use all descend from that machine released 20 years ago today...mj 12:00:09 PM

Thursday, January 22, 2004

Some other stories Some Dell PowerEdge servers die after smoking - I guess this means that Dell is losing it's luster. (inside joke) Governments vote against Microsoft - the saga continues! Porting problems put carrier swaps on hold - my employer seems to be doing well. Nevada coroner puts photos of deceased on Internet - not sure how I feel about this one. RIAA embarks on new round of piracy suits - another stupid move fromt he group that defines DUH! Savage discounts from MS flush OSS desktop from London council - another sign of M$ weakness. The Gates-trix - pretty amusing job. Bush in 30 Seconds - great ads about something that is not funny. Enjoy - it's a confusing and amusing world...mj 1:44:00 PM

ESERVE doesn't serve... Check out this article about the Bush Administrations attempts to set up Internet voting for overseas Americans. While I applaud the effort, the fact that it violates the idea of open accessibility by limiting access to all voters is just one more reason to hold off. This system does not allow users of Linux, or Macintosh computers the ability to vote. On the internet there is no reason to limit access. It is after-all a world of open standards, and to limit it to one standard and disenfranchise voters is not the American way (or at least it shouldn't be)...mj 11:53:18 AM

Friday, January 16, 2004

Dancing to oblivion the M$ way... Last year Microsoft made three decisions that it will come to see as the beginning of it's fall from dominance. The little things are what kill you in the end. Makes me think of the second level manager who said it isn't the last sick day that cost you the job, it's the 1st day you just stay home because you don't feel like going to work. One event was it's decision to expose it's source code to the Chinese government in a failed attempt to stave off Linux. Ask yourself, if Microsoft can show the Chinese government it's source code (a historic enemy of the US), then why can't it show the rest of us? The second event was the decision to pay SCO for a UNIX license. The thinly veiled attempt to sow fear, uncertainty, and doubt in the linux community combined with it's new ad campaign only shows how afraid M$ is of Linux. It's a good thing, because they should be afraid of Linux. The third and most important decision was to sell Office for just $37 in Thailand. It begs several questions: 1. Why are we paying $400-$600 for it?, 2. The only product that can have a 69% margin is a monopoly product, 3. It means that we are all subsidizing Thailand's purchases of Office, 4. Shouldn't we all just refuse to buy it unless we can get the same prices! That's what the government of Israel is doing. ... Soon this blog will go silent. I do not plan on paying up for another year of service. It's been one hell of a ride. I hope you got something out of this, I know I did. Bush still sucks...mj 1:40:23 AM

Saturday, January 10, 2004

So what's the big deal? Are you wondering about the big HP/Apple iPod deal? You should be. It was the big deal that didn't get done in time to spin our heads at the Macworld keynote. It's a huge deal that trumps Dell, and deals a blow to M$'s desire to own the music market with it's pathetic Windows Media Format. For a great insight into the deal go check out bill palmer's commentary. Stay tune...mj 11:38:02 PM

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Dell cancels Indian tech support After an onslaught of complaints, computer maker Dell Inc. has stopped using a technical support center in India to handle calls from its corporate customers. Some U.S. customers have complained that the Indian technical-support representatives are difficult to communicate with because of thick accents and scripted responses....more [CNN] This was a bad idea from the start. FIrst of all these are jobs that should stay in the US, and second it is a great example of the general lack of real support for customer service at most US corporations. Dell deserves the black eye, and shows once again why low cost doesn't mean quality...mj 10:33:15 PM

Monday, November 10, 2003

Quick Reads... Plan A for Microsoft: Is Microsoft's new version of Windows a radical innovation or a return to the company's winner-take-all software strategy from a decade ago? Microsoft Faces Showdown at the EU Corral: Microsoft faces a major showdown in Brussels this week when it gets a last chance to defend itself against European Union regulators' charges it abused its dominance of desktop computer operating systems. Microsoft: Back to its old ways?: Is Microsoft's new version of Windows a radical innovation or a return to the company's winner-take-all software strategy from a decade ago? Lindows-Microsoft legal spat builds: Microsoft proffered legal papers seeking to disavow California class-action settlement claims submitted via the Linux distributor's MSfreePC Web site. More MS BS...mj 7:59:58 PM

Saturday, November 1, 2003

EU Expands Probe of MS... The European Commission widened its probe into Microsoft Corp for anti-competitive practices on Thursday, asking computer hardware makers for details of their licensing deals with the software giant. Competition regulators at the European Union (news - web sites)'s executive have written to major computer makers, such as IBM, to seek details of how Microsoft licensed them the operating systems they sold with personal computers...more [Yahoo Microsoft Antitrust News] Just one more example of Microsoft at work: "Microsoft's license agreements often oblige manufacturers to waive their rights to sue the firm if it breaches patents the manufacturers hold for technologies used in Microsoft software." Think about what that means. If Microsoft signs you to a license agreement, you lose the right to sue them if they steal your patents! Only a Monopoly can get aways with such an outrageous clause. I would love to hear from one of my Microsoft friends with an explination of how such a clause could be justified. Perhaps I'm missing something here...mj 9:16:39 AM

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