OT: Microsoft patents "timed button presses"

[Walter Vaughan]

Kenneth Brody wrote:

> US Patent 6,727,830 dated 27-April-2004
> 
>     A method and system are provided for extending the functionality
>     of application buttons on a limited resource computing device.

<rant mode=on> /* I believe that's valid xaml which MS now owns */
This is not off-topic. It's about the end of computing as
we know it. Over the past few days microsoft has been getting almost
10 patents per day. The end game is that Longhorn client computers
will ONLY be able to communicate with Windows based servers "reliably".
Meaning that the FUD will start and bring us back to 1993 when
Microsoft had a plan that did not include dirty non ms-servers.
Windows everywhere, and without independent software developers.
ISV's aren't bound to come up with Windows from cradle to grave
solutions. Kill the ISV's off and everythings coming up rosy in Redmond.

Think about it. Robert at Anzio doesn't help sell a product that
sells more Windows products. The whole concept of even allowing
a Windows computer to talk to a unix computer doesn't make
money for MS stockholders. And it's dangerous at that. Those
dangerous Unix computers, gotta stop 'em.

filePro. Hum. Does allowing it to be used on client computers
make more money for MS shareholders? Well the first thing they
gotta do is stop offering a unix version. Or make it cost-prohibitive
to support both versions. There's the key. Make it cost-prohibitive
to work with Unix servers and clients.

Visit a website or use a server that is not Longhorn based....
"This service does not meet the Trustworthy Computing Initiative.
In order to protect your computer you should disconnect immediately."
And of course Windows XP servers which are virus ridden will also
cause that message to be presented, so it'll be a good thing to
obey that message.

You think people will install Mozilla to avoid nag screens like that?

It's not even subliminal. Look at any major web site today.
MS's running all sorts of ads talking about how Windows servers are
300% faster than any unix solution and TCO is about 25% of a unix
solution. We all know that is garbage, but enough money spent in
that direction also gets editoral to eventually get on board with
the "Unix is Evil" campaign.

The fact that Mozilla and Gnome developers are having teleconferences
out the ying-yang over this should give cause that somethings underfoot
and it's not good for those of us in the unix oriented camp.

The only variable in this is if Microsoft decides to stay out
of the PORN business, and cause problems in the delivery of porn.
Then the marketplace will respond. On the other hand, if Microsoft
makes it easier to deliver Porn and make more money for Porn content
delivery agents, then it's game over.
<rant/>
Walter