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Another distro falls to the dark side. Just read in Cnet that Linspire has also inked a deal with Microsoft. What is M$ up to? Still don't know for sure. FUD is still my top choice. But there was one comment in today's Cnet article and I quote:

"... Linspire will join an effort to create translators between Office 2007's XML file formats and the OpenDocument format. "

Its quite possible these deals are trying to stop the migration away from M$ Office for alternatives that use the OpenDocument format. Once Office 2007's XML format and OpenDocument formats become interoperable, M$ can argue that their customers are no longer "locked-in"

What's next? A Linux version of M$ Office? It could happen. As we move to more and more web based apps, the actual operating system on your computer becomes less critical. M$ has only two major products that generate income. Windows and Office. I suspect that as Windows becomes more irrelevent over time, their only hope is to keep Office a viable product and working with OS developers may be their only way to do so. Just my two cents worth.

Joe

What's next? A Linux version of M$ Office?

Why not? I, as a Linux user, would celebrate it. My dream is that all the applications have a Linux version.

If it is free (libre), much better. If it is only free (gratis), OK too. And in case it costs a lot of $$$$$ like now, you can choose to buy it or not to use it.

On the other hand, if MS office includes the possibility of saving documents in the open formats, it would be wonderful. Wouldn't it?

I would love it too, since the CVS version of OpenOffice.Org doesn't work well with Office 2007 documents.

sonic6k wrote:I would love it too, since the CVS version of OpenOffice.Org doesn't work well with Office 2007 documents.

Neither does Office 2007.

I would also welcome the option of a Linux version of Office 2007. I hope this represents M$'s realization that IT is beginning to move beyond the old business models and that this is a genuine attempt by them to remain relavent and truly work with Linux.

Joe

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) today released the fourth and “last call” draft for version 3 of the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL), the world's most widely used free software license. The Foundation will hear comments on the latest draft for 29 days, and expects to officially publish the license on Friday, June 29, 2007.

If you have any concerns or suggestions, now is the time to act!

For those that are concerned about recent issues involving Microsoft and Novell, Xandros, LG and now Linspire should really get involved in the GPLv3 drafting processs. There is a nice and open draft editing page where people can highlight text and give their comment to help the GPLv3 be as strong as possible.

You can help with anything from correcting vague language that a company like Microsoft may try to take advantage of in the future, to help decide how previous Microsoft deals are dealt with.

Right now, the GPLv3 will NOT break the current deals that happen. I would highly recommend anyone who does not agree to this to voice their opinion so that the final version WILL break any pacts such as the Microsoft-Novell/Xandros/Lindows/LG.

Make your voice heard! Make a difference!
[FSF Releases "Last Call" Draft of GPLv3]

geezuzzzz then why arent you simply using windows.....

Why the flock do people use linux if all they want is to use windows apps and be under windows control and subject to microsoft whims.

Why is it a few have to flock it up for many....????

For everyone wanting a better windows, apple is over that way....

Give microsoft control, and see where it gets you....my guess is back on windows in about five years.

jml wrote:Another distro falls to the dark side. Just read in Cnet that Linspire has also inked a deal with Microsoft. What is M$ up to? Still don't know for sure. FUD is still my top choice. But there was one comment in today's Cnet article and I quote:

"... Linspire will join an effort to create translators between Office 2007's XML file formats and the OpenDocument format. "

I don't know, I would like to see evidence for the "infringing" patents that these companies won't get sued for AND have conveniently lent legal credence to by signing these deals. Granted most of the commercial distributions probably can't afford to have ideals, but to cave to Redmond without any public evidence is just spineless and not a good way to ensure consumer confidence in their product.

All the talk of patents is straight up FUD. This Linspire deal says nothing about patent crosslicensing, but it makes strong allusions to it. Purchase a patent sku and get a license to ttf fonts, huh? Patents and EULAs are two completely different things, yet in the press release they're pushed together to make it seem as if they are related.

The real trick is to shove a bunch of proprietary MS crap into Linux so that it can mostly function on an active directory network. Probably at a level that is good enough for IT, but not good enough for an average office worker (which should be easier, so go figure). Embrace/Extend has been their gambit all along. Talking about patents is merely FUD, as they mentioned in their Hallowe'en documents years ago.

'

geezuzzzz then why arent you simply using windows.....

Why that? I do not remember myself being unpolite in my posts...

Why the flock do people use linux if all they want is to use windows apps
and be under windows control and subject to microsoft whims.

Beeeep, error! I would not use MS office to write my own documents. But I would use it to open a MS office document.

But I will give you some more reasons to be unpolite: I use skype, Adobe reader, the flash plugin from adobe, some propietary drivers, etc

Will you continue talking to me, then?

'

I wasn't speaking to anyone in particular but if you feel the shoe fits....

I dont care what anyone uses. I care that the thing that is truly different is being turned into the very same thing we already have.

Someone gets a taste of freedom and the first thing they want to do is give it up to someone and be dictated to. I am honestly starting to think people cant handle it. They honestly do not know how to be in control.

Hey Will! Trust me - I am not back. Just a drive-by troll post....while browsing for greener pastures.