This should create some "FUD" among Microsoft partners and shareholders. imo

An 'INJUNCTION' AGAINST microsoft would certainly LIGHT UP the holidays for VCSY LONGS and dim those for MS shareholders, partners and those who Microsoft 'INDUCED' to INFRINGE.

I gotta think there is a reason why VCSY didn't SLAM Microsoft against a wall with that response....and, a 'SETTLEMENT' is the only reason.

After all, after a SETTLEMENT VCSY and MSFT will have to work together for those annual ROYALTY fees...and LICENSE agreements from ALL THOSE 'INDUCED' TO INFRINGE.

I wonder if Raymond Niro is working on lighting fires under others who have INFRINGED on VCSY TECHNOLOGY?

I wouldn't want to be Steve Ballmer, MS, CEO, come October if there isn't a settlement...MANY folks are going to be UPSET with an 'INJUNCTION' by lil Vertical Computer Systems.

Ah! The FUTURE is looking BRIGHT for VCSY and SHAREHOLDERS....

Oh! And, VCSY should be getting the money from Ross/CDC they WON in the court in NEW YORK..within days...Another message to MSFT "DON'T MESS WITH VERTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS". Wade learned the art of the hard deal from the brains of THE MASTERS at 'Duty Free'.

We also have the VCSY filing due around August 15th.

God, you might as well write for "Roughly Drafted". I wish someone would write a weekly article titled, "Joe FUD watch!" Seriously, ever since you've started blogging here, this site has turned into an anti-MS, pro-Apple propaganda machine. This site is no longer "Microsoft Watch". It's "Microsoft sucks".

I might point out this site is call "MS Watch' not "MS fanboy suck it up for M$ Watch." What is amazing is the people who dislike the articles, but still read them anyway, and then post they hate the MS Bashing.

Back to the FUD.
Microsoft cuts Windows Vista price to $66 in China, while we pay full price elsewhere, except for the British and Australians who pay even more. But then I guess they can afford it.

China is ripe with piracy, which is MS main competition there, at $1 a disk. At least the piracy competition in China, has got MS to do something that it never will in the USA, reduce its price.

http://www.itworld.com/Comp/2218/070803vistachina/index.html

"I might point out this site is call "MS Watch' not "MS fanboy suck it up for M$ Watch."

Yes, it's called "MS Watch", not "Suck chips' ****". It looks like Joe is pandering to the likes of MS haters like you. I am an old timer, who's been reading this blog way before Joe started writing for it. Unfortunately, you're right. If I need real news about Microsoft, I should probably switch to other blogs. If ever I feel the need to listen to what Apple and Linux fanatics have to say about MS, I'll come back.

Idiot!

And it's not "M$", you dumbass. Of course, considering that I'm talking to a wall built on a foundation of hatred towards Microsoft, I know you're not going to change.

"Lots of companies engage in FUD, and we only single out Microsoft because we're Microsoft Watch."

And lots of companies do interesting things, and we only single out Apple because... well, because we'd rather be Apple Watch.

v/r
Joe

You could always try cnet.com there you will find almost nothing MS offensive. Think they lost 21% of their reader base lately, for being so boring. They mostly just reprint MS articles. Not really worth reading, in my opinion, but you might like em.

Here is an somewhat interesting article, about what Vista SP1 is supposed to contain, and when it will come out. Its from the self appointed "from the biggest fanboy for Microsoft I’m aware of." At least that is what he calls himself.

http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/2007/08/01/faq-about-vista-sp1/

I always enjoy a good discussion or argumentation (something not dissimilar to drinking good cognac) but I do not understand those who insult someone else.
Asimov said once: "Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent" Since there is no physical contact among us, the closest thing is to verbally assault (for example;Idiot) the opponent.

Marco,
When reason and logic fail them, they always resort to attacks purely based on emotion, without any counter facts to back up his claim.

So they seldom, if ever agrue with the facts, but rather attack the messinger. In this case Joe is the messinger, and I disagreed with him.

It is one thing to say that Joe is doing purely M$ bashing,(and yes, its my right to use the $ if I want) but it really has no meaning without citing the what he says that was wrong. And most of us who are computer literate, know that Joe checks most of his facts first before writing them.

Is this Fud or truth;

boycottnovell.com/2007/08/03/technical-sabotage-odf/

and

fussnotes.typepad.com/plexnex/2007/08/microsoft-break.html

Truely they have again broken the plugins.

Where better to post MS failings then in the FUD section;

Xbox repair process leaves gamers in a fix
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6200538.html

"and yes, its my right to use the $ if I want"

Yes, of course it's your right (just as I can refer to Apple as crApple, which I won't). But it also reflects your prejudice and demonstrates your lack of respect for capitalism. Joe does not check his facts. This is especially true when the article is anti-MS. If you read some of the rebuttals on other sites, you'll realize this. Of course, I'm sure you visit only sites such as this one, which show MS in negative light. Brandon LeBlanc talks about it.

Also, I don't really think I'm abusing you, chips. I've read some of your comments in the past and nothing I've said about you seems abusive to me. It's just true.

to N**l, whoops, I mean reflections;
No offensive intended. In cyberspace we can be anyone we want to be, or as many people as we wish to be. Although, I am sure u r who u r. But I would bet you are not from the Northern Hemisphere, if IP addresses were checked by Joe.

Quote;
"Yes, of course it's your right (just as I can refer to Apple as crApple, which I won't). But it also reflects your prejudice and demonstrates your lack of respect for capitalism."

Not sure how you came up with this bit of thinking I am not sure, but you partly right. As if you call Apple, crApple, or Linux Lunix, I would not take offense, as others do with M$. Its just an name for Operating Systems. Actually like the crApple one. But seriously, M$ ownes 1/4 of the Apple stock, so when you attack Mac, some of that is attacking M$. Have you thought of that?

Again, I don't use Mac OS X or any Apple products, but for you, I recommend them, as they are 25% owned by M$, so you can't go wrong. LOL.

As far as capitalism, I have the greatest respect for the free market, only I know that M$ is in violation of the Sherman antitrust laws, or to put it another way, an illegal predatory monopoly. Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer are the Robber Baron of this century and last. They own the government, and they are partners with the Media. Heck, for all I know, they own you. Unless you show me they don't own you.

Most windows users do not fall into the category of loving to pay for every piece of software that M$ makes. Am I wrong, if I say that you do? And where if I am wrong, do you have a problem with Microsoft products? Or is everything MS just perfect? I got tired of paying MS, pure and simple, I know I have paid them too much. But you, seem love to pay M$.

Anyway, I thought you were leaving this site? We will miss you. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

I definitely am from the northern hemisphere and am in Richmond, VA at the moment. Your Joe can confirm that. I'm not Neil or anyone else. I don't frequent this site and have commented only a couple of times earlier. Like Joe, you're wrong... again. That comes from basing opinions on preconceived notions and prejudices rather than real research.

"Most windows users do not fall into the category of loving to pay for every piece of software that M$ makes. Am I wrong, if I say that you do? And where if I am wrong, do you have a problem with Microsoft products? Or is everything MS just perfect? I got tired of paying MS, pure and simple, I know I have paid them too much. But you, seem love to pay M$."

Once again, you're wrong. I never said everything MS does is correct. On the other hand, not everything Joe says about MS is right either. Of course MS is not perfect. They make several crappy products and several good ones. And I don't have problems using Apple's products. I do own an iPod and love it. I also use Ubuntu regularly. You, on the other hand (like Joe) are prejudiced against MS (as you yourself have indicated) and will not touch any product made by MS. Unfortunately, Joe has turned this site into a medium that panders to the likes of people like you. Anyway, more power to you. And, as I indicated earlier, I will continue to follow other sites for real news but I'll continue following the thoughtful comments from "objective" readers like yourself here.

I glad you could put the puzzle of the name so fast, and guess the name Neil. Clever of you.

You may not like me, which I don't care at all, I am not here to be liked. only to say the truth.

But most of who read this are also wanting to leave M$ Operating Systems behind them. It can be done, and you will never look back or want to.

To them I say, I learned Linux, it was not so hard. I am a power user. Have always been. M$ software is old now, it is a viral magnet. Its time to move on to safer software, and stop spending all your time updating and scanning with every free and not free, antivirus (and trojan, malware, adware, scumware, etc) program out there. That takes a lot of time out of your lives.

M$ will not fix windows, as they want to sell you antivirus to protect it each year. This is not a fix, but rather another money grab from M$.

Quote;
"And, as I indicated earlier, I will continue to follow other sites for real news but I'll continue following the thoughtful comments from "objective" readers like yourself here."

-----------------------------------------------------

Here's the earilier Quote from reflections;

"I should probably switch to other blogs. If ever I feel the need to listen to what Apple and Linux fanatics have to say about MS, I'll come back."

----------------------------------------------------

Shame on me, I took you for your word, which is worth nothing.

So u just trying to brow beat Joe Willcox into posting Pro M$ propaganda for you, or your masters? Is that it?

How much do they pay you?

Quote;
" reflections :

I definitely am from the northern hemisphere and am in Richmond, VA at the moment."
---------------------------------------------------
Well, that is not a lie is it? At the moment!

or is it? Is it Richmond or Redmond? Or is it you just flew in for a visit? lieing by omission, or what, explain, we don't like half truths.

This is America, Bub, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Chips, use the $ all you want. It shows your immaturity and agenda. I suspect that in addition to hanging out here, you're one of the 3-4 dorks who post non-stop anti-MS stuff on the Yahoo message board too. Indeed, the phrases and tone are identical. And good of you to defend Joe. That should be his first clue that his posts have clearly crossed into MSFT bashing versus MSFT watching.

Paul, or reflections, or is it Neil?

No Paul I am the number 1 Dork.How post non stop anti M$ stuff.

I will use the $ all I want, and guess what, I don't need your permission. Thank you very much.

Just keep buying M$, Not me, I an mot a slave, you can stay with those who imprison you if that if what you wish.

Let me Quote the Great one here, who is like a GOD to these three who keep posting;
"Let's face it, the average computer user has the brain of a Spider Monkey."

Then again, I could be Neil, or ?

"

com on guys, Neil just wants to kill the messinger. Hey Paul, could u give us the link to the Yahoo message boards posts?

Paul,
the reason I ask for the link, it would be nice to see real people who can think.

-----------------------------------------------------

Here's the earilier Quote from reflections;

"I should probably switch to other blogs. If ever I feel the need to listen to what Apple and Linux fanatics have to say about MS, I'll come back."

----------------------------------------------------

"Shame on me, I took you for your word, which is worth nothing."

Apparently, no one taught you the meaning of the word, "probably".

"or is it? Is it Richmond or Redmond?"
And that matters because? You think the only people who'd stand up for Microsoft work there. Again, if you did a little research, you'd realize that isn't true. No, I don't work for Microsoft and never have.

"But most of who read this are also wanting to leave M$ Operating Systems behind them. It can be done, and you will never look back or want to."

Exactly. I couldn't have said it better. Joe is pandering to the anti-Microsoft crowd.

I'm sure you think you've seen the light about "M$" and by posting comments on this blog and on other blogs you're trying to convert others too. For you, this is more like a religion or a cult. You think you're doing a service to humanity, when , in fact, all you do is spread hate. You've been so taken in by all this propaganda that for you, Microsoft is the equivalent of Satan. On the other hand,

I don't think Joe really dislikes Microsoft. He just likes Apple a lot and finds a way to bring it up in almost every post of his. He'd rather be writing for an Apple-centric site but probably doesn't get a job there. Or he probably feels he can spread the Apple ideology better on a Microsoft centric site. It's clear that he doesn't use Windows much to be able to comment about it. And this results in his making several baseless remarks.

chip,
check the Yahoo/Microsoft board and the Ragingbull VCSY board

On the VCSY board it's easy to see that the poster who goes by the username tepe is a paid basher and most likely planted by Microsoft. imo
He claims to be a shareholder but bashes the company and shareholders.

I-Man,

I don't have the link anymore, but the best estimate is that M$ employs 800 full time employee blogger to promote their products, especially Vista. M$ knew Vista would be a tuff act to sell, and was going need help to stuff DRM down the spider monkey's throat.

In cyberspace, you can be anyone you want to be.

A quote from Joe's article;
"So why can't Microsoft's own MacBU quickly develop and release OOXML converters?"
---------------------------------------------------

So really M$ got it right, the only thing you gonna need in a new Mac M$ Office is the lock in of the file format OOXML, which previous version of M$ Office including the Mac, cannot read. This is really the only “improvement” offered in Office 2007, LOL. Unless you are one of those who drool over the ribbon.

By buying the newest M$ Office, people play into the hands of M$ and let them get away with this type of predatory monopolistic practice. Why reward M$ for this type of behavior? Why pay for the LOCK IN of OOXML file format, when clearly M$ Office 2007 has few other features than 2003?

They (M$) will come out with a converter in time, when the folks over at OpenOffice release, or are about to release theirs.

But then, There is another M$ Office coming out at the same time as Windows Vienna, or Seven, or whatever M$ has code named it this week. Wonder what lock in that one will contain that will make all the Lemmings rush out to buy it? M$ Office Seven, catchy name, don't you think? At least this week.

A quote from Joe's article;
"So why can't Microsoft's own MacBU quickly develop and release OOXML converters?"
------------------------------------------------------
If M$ released OOXML converters for previous Office versions, including Mac versions, there would be no real reason to buy Office 2007 or the new future version of Mac M$ Office, would there?

Microsoft Censoring .info domains in MSN Messenger
http://www.joostdevalk.nl/microsoft-censoring-info-domains-in-msn-messenger/

Do you remember my post about how MS corrupts Third World Countries ?
"That is why I disagree with Ms, amongst other things. They have damaged the social structure of third world societies. And they are not to blame indirectly (by selling expensive software) but directly in the sense that they endorsed piracy to avoid competition getting a share of the market. They used all the possible manoeuvres, including bribing politicians to do so."
In this very moment Chile is confronting its government because of it
www.elfrancotirador.cl/2007/07/27/como-explicar-a-tus-viejos-que-el-acuerdo-con-microsoft-es-malo-para-chile/
Sorry, it is in Spanish but with Google could be translated.

Chips,

Your response is confirmation enough. You're just another ABM troll thinking he's making a difference by posting on Watch, Yahoo and other MSFT-focused sites. Get a life.

Oh come on Paul, tell us how you really feel. Don't be afraid to really let your feelings out.

Marco;
Nice post, I that made me go ahead and install a free language translator as a firefox extension. Firefox is so powerful compared to browsers like IE anymore.

"So why can't Microsoft's own MacBU quickly develop and release OOXML converters?"

OOXML spec is 6000 pages long and loopy, referring to '95 and other old stuff but not defining it. No one but M$ has any hope of implementing it and even they cannot do it.

Perhaps this is why Micor$ucks is cutting prices on Vista in China;

http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/only_244_copies_of_genuine_windows_vista_sold_in_china.php

Notice the picture used of a pirated Vista Disk and the aptly used correct cartoon figure above it.

I've been in the IT industry for over 31 years. I have seen my fair share of FUD.

I remember when people would share software code to help each other out. i.e. Person A owns a disk manipulation program. Person B owns a graphics drawing program. Person A would give person B some code for a disk quick loader. Person B would give person A the code to display a graphic. Both people were happy. No one sued for IP theft. No one signed a contract or NDA. If person B met someone who could use the speed loader. Person B would phone and ask permission. No lawyers involved. Copyright still active. We would leave the copyright notice in. Give credit where credit is due. Gentlemanly conduct. No lawyers needed.

Enter M$.
I use the $ to indicate they are rich. They have to cash to do anything they want. If your looking for a software vendor. Are you going to go for a 'maybe fail fly-by-night' or are you going to go for the 'got plenty of cash gonna be around for a long time' company? I'd pick M$ vs SCO Linux/Unix any day. (I'm a M$ fan?)

Apple has always been a bleeding-edge-tech company. The first Macs had SCSI built in. How long did it take WinTel/IBM to have SCI available for their PC at a reasonable price? At least 10 years. SCSI is much more user friendly. SCSI is 4 times faster than IDE. That is just one example of Apple being the innovators and WinTel/IBM just milking the market for all it is worth. (I'm a Apple fan?)

The problem with Apple is they are a single source supplier. Which means high prices. A popular quote also shows another Apple problem. "Apple Mac = an OS with training wheels you cannot remove." Apple has fixed this with newer OSes. Sort-of. (Not an Apple fan?)

Since the Dino-days of computing IBM has always been known as the industry standard. "IBM waits for a standard, adopts it and calls it theirs." IBM has also been know as the company that has filed the most patents on tech. If you guessed that they hold over a million patents, you would probably be pretty close to the truth. It is rumored that IBMs corporate structure is 1/3 Research & Development, 1/3 Lawyers and 1/3 Marketing. A good reason why they have so many patents. Another good reason for the common phrase, "Don't mess with IBM." IBM was the huge bully on the block. (Not a IBM fan?)

IBM moved away from WinTel when Intel introduced the P2. IBM gave the specs to Intel and requested exclusive distribution rights. Intel at the next ComDex show announced it's latest CPU to all the mother Board Manufacturers. IBM was upset. Went to Motorola. So IBM left WinTel and sided with "Apple?". (IBM fan?)

To paraphrase M$ a little. "Don't buy the other guys stuff. Our bigger better new stuff is coming out the same day." (only to have the expected delivery dates pushed back.) When you see this happen 5 times in a row. It can't be a fluke. (Not M$ fan?)

When you are using Disk Compression tech to make your expensive 20meg HD act like a 40meg HD. M$ introduces it developed better technology and it is free of cost. Then you try it. Only to find out that in reality M$ just stole the code from Stacker. (I looked at a Hexdump of the device driver. Stacker's footprints are all over the place.) Then you find out. That if you fill up the compressed drive with data. The M$ version gets senile (doesn't re-read the FAT from the physical HD and looses it.) and starts randomly writing to the huge file, which is your virtual HD, causing major chunks of your data to just go poof. Then you realize M$s incompetence. That and they are down right thieves. Caught red handed. Numerous times. (Not M$ fan?)

When you maintain your WinOS by updating with M$ 'critical security patch'es. And two months before a new version of their OS due to be delivered. Your computer which has been working perfectly fine for 3 years. All of a sudden starts doing strange things, like BSD or locking up, rebooting, 3-rd party programs stop working or start crashing. The closer and closer to the delivery deadline you get the flakier your machine gets, until you are soo frustrated with your machine, you end up buying another one, or upgrade the HW and install the new OS. After you have seen this behavior 4 times. You begin to wonder, "Could it be M$ trying to convince you to upgrade?" Critical for my computers Security or Critical for Microsoft's Financial Security? (Not M$ fan?)

When you go to the patch site and M$ installs a 'required ActiveX component'. You assume it is so the web page or patch process will go easier. Then you notice your 3Mbit Broadband connection is starting to act like a 28.8 dial-up connection. You investigate. Has your computer been Zombied? Do you have Spyware? Nope, M$ has installed WGA and IPv6. I mean why else would WGA need to 'phone home' every time you run a program or access a web page? Couldn't it just check the validity of your computer when you access the Update site? Now your computer informs M$ every time you run a program for more than 5 minutes. (I checked this out personally and that is how I derived the 5 minute number.) Isn't this called Spyware? It is ok. It came from M$. It would be 'OK' if it didn't bog down my computer and internet connection. I guess I need to get the latest version of Windows. (Not M$ fan?)

OK so now I want to use an Office Productivity Suite on my new laptop. Can't legally, ethically just install it from the Office2000 disks I used to install on my Desktop computer. That would be wrong. Don't have the $250.00+ to buy a copy. So I search the internet. Find OpenOffice. I think, "Great. This can't be as good as M$ Office. They are not charging for it. Besides who has heard of it? Probably some Pirates that stole from M$." Then I notice that the code originated from small little unknown company called Sun Microsystems. Wow they are still alive. Haven't heard about them in years. I think I will check it out. I download for free. Talk about your elite hax. He he. I'm stealing from Sun. neaner neaner neaner. Hold on a second. What? They are giving it away for free as in I don't have to give them money. Ever!?! They are giving me the source code If I want it? That is like in the 'good old days'. No way!. Oh man. It wasn't an Elite Hax. :-( So I check it out. Probably no good. Holly S**T!!! It looks very close to M$Office. It opens up my M$Office2000 documents and spreadsheets. It can even save them as Office2000 documents. (I verify by opening with the desktop computer.) (FOSS fan?)

Discover Linux and GPL.
Not treated as a criminal. Perfectly legal to share software. It is encouraged. I don't have to look over my shoulder wondering if anyone is going to catch me pirating something. Developers will personally email you tell you how to get on IRC (Internet Relay Chat) so that they can help you to fix your problem. OR They will fix it right then and there. Post the code so you can download it. And then walk you through compiling it. AT NO COST. Free. No money. Just because they are being nice. When was the last time you got an email from a M$ developer? I'm talking the guy or gal that actually changes the code. When was the last time you got this kind of service from M$? How much did it cost? (Linux fan? FOSS fan?)

Have you actually read the GPLv2?
Have you actually read the XP or Vista EULA?
Which one leaves you with the feeling that "big brother is watching you." Which one says, "We can do anything we want with your computer", "You give us the ability to tell you what you can and cannot run on your computer. We won't excersise that option right now, but you give us permission to do it later."? Which one says, "Watch where you step, there are millions of land mines and if you step out of line we will squish you like a small insignificant insect."? (not M$ fan?)

Am I anti-M$? NO

Am I tired of M$ tactics and the way they treat me? YES

Do I wish they would stop these tactics and start producing really innovative stuff? YES

Have I read the OOXML document specification? Large parts.

Could I build a program to follow it? NO They are too vague on important stuff. What is the Kerning for a Word98 document? What is the kerning percentage to Point height in a Word95 document? I don't know. Can't find it either. M$ won't tell me. And that is not a 'huge' secret or it shouldn't be. Even if OOXML is not a spec for a new Document standard. It appears that OOXML is a spec so where new program can follow the old standard.

Do I wish that M$ would shrivel up and die? NO.

Do I wish that they would start acting like they care for their customers and their needs? Yes.

Will I ever get windows Vista? No way. Don't like the EULA. Don't like the spyware. Don't like them telling me what I can do with my computer.

Did IBM change from 'Big Brother' to nice corporation that cares about its customers? Yes.

Did IBM spend ONE BILLION dollars on Linux? (billion wow that is a large number) Yes. What idiots. Don't they know people are giving this stuff away for free.

Did IBM get back TWO BILLION dollars from Linux? Yes. Hold the phone. They actually made 1 billion in profit from Linux. How? No way.

If IBM can change it's corporate behavior so can M$. IBM makes M$ look like small fries. So it will be easier for M$.

Here is the scary part.
Will I choose M$ or Linux if given a choice between competing applications? I would have to say Linux.

I trust a total stranger's software running on my machine more than I trust M$'s.

M$ has worked very hard in betraying my trust. It was M$ and the way they treated me that caused me to look for an alternative. It is M$'s fault I have been studying Linux.

Am I a Linux Zelot? No. Just a computer user that can plainly see, right now, that Linux is better.

Better in the way they treat their customers.
Better in the speed at which they fix problems.

Wanna make either OS (hell all os's) crash? Divide by zero.
Is M$ bad because it has had this flaw for a long time? (always had it.) NO
Is Linux bad because it has had this flaw for a long time? (ditto) NO

When M$ 'upgrades' with a patch does my machine do more or work better? NO
When Linux upgrades with a patch does my machine do more or work better? YES.

I don't hate Microsoft.
I don't hate Apple.
I don't love Linux.

I use XP and Linux daily.
I use what works for me.
I use what gets the job done.
I use what is the least expensive. That includes time, training, cost of purchase, upgrade cost, etc.

I have and use 5 WinXP machines at home. I have one machine (two if you include the router by ActionTec) That is a Linux only machine. Two of the XP machines dual boot with XP and Linux.

If I don't like M$ so much. Why am I here? I come here hoping that I can trust M$ again.

Joe is right about the FUD.
M$ should loose this tactic from their toolbox.
It just makes them look bad.

Have a good one.
Artiken

Artiken.
Thats how it starts, what you said goes for the way I think as well. You put it in words far better than I could.

After awhile, you realize, that Linux is not giving you the viral problems that Windo$e does, and then what follows, is you do all your surfing and email with Linux, as its just safer. After awhile, you look at more Linux programs, and have less use for M$ products. Theres only a couple of games that I play once in a blue moon, that I need to run windows with in VirtualBox anymore.

Hope nobody flames you here, I respond to the flamers when I feel like it,therefore I am labeled by them as a M$ hater. But not really, as I do use it once in awhile. Actually, it was some of the M$ Fanbois here that pushed me with their flames to move almost completely to Linux. I am at the point now that I will never return to M$ products, including Windo$e. M$ will not get any more of my money.

Artiken;
It was long but worth reading all the way. After reading chips' and reflections' comments I thought this article was doomed to fall into idiocy like so many before. And speaking of those guys, if part of your intention was to make chips get wet, you probably succeeded.

(nah, I'm just kidding chips)

I don't hate MS either, that would be just stupid, but I hate their attitude and more and more I think they're losing touch with their customers but they don't seem to care. When I look at Vista I see a bunch of unkept promises but as Artiken pointed out, it's nothing new because that's what they've always done, bluffing that they have four aces while their real hand is full of crap (and I'm not saying windows is crap, at least 2000 and XP aren't).

Microsoft Corp. is facing deeper scrutiny from European regulators on whether it is abusing its dominance in word processing and spreadsheets.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/324216_msfteu19.html

More on the price cuts on Vista and Office in China;

http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/2007/08/04/software-pirates-not-doing-enough-in-us/

Artiken:what you wrote is what we all of us who appreciate freedom feel. That's why I sometimes steal time from myself to come here and write some lines. So those who do not know, realise that Ms's darkness is not all there is.
And who knows? perhaps Ms change. (But I bet that's not going to happen with Ballmer around.)

I am glad that the words solidarity, selflessness and philanthropy stop being evil for a moment.

Well I read this stuff and I'm not left with the feeling of FUD.
It is not WHY this is FUD, but WOW these statements might causes Fear Uncertainty and Doubt.
Spell out for me how each on of hose quotes causes
Fear
Uncertainty
Doubt
Why you explain why you use nothing to the effect of the action causing Fear or Uncertainty or Doubt.
I understand that FUD is left up to the interpretation but your reasons why do not lead me to think of this FUD. I'm not scared, I have maybe some doubt or uncertainty, but I can't see the connection. Are you grasping for straws.
The way one expresses themselves in one way to understand there point of view. Body language.
So for all of those who say they don't hate MS but use the '$' it is hard to believe you?
It is like fixing hatred with hatred to evils does not make a right. Something as simple as using a '$' instead of 'S' shows how simple you mind is. I'll stop if you stop. MS show us some respect and I'll stop using the '$'.

I'm not a bigot I hate you all equally and love you all just the same if not more.

To use the $ symbol in place of the S in MS or Microsoft, is just used to remind people that M$ software costs money. And perhaps, what M$ is all about. They are a corporation, and are in business to make money. But that has become an obsession with M$, to the point that they are a convicted predatory monopoly. Its their business ethics I disdain, and the fact that they don't seem to be in touch with their customers anymore.

Since this is a recurring theme, with some many users here, it makes me wonder if its not really just one user posting under a whole lot of names?

Why anyone would take offense to the $ symbol unless they worked for M$, I do not know. Perhaps it goes beyond a Fanboy mentality here.

I make no deals with M$ or anyone that represents them, and yes, if I want to use the $ key, I will.

"Why anyone would take offense to the $ symbol unless they worked for M$, I do not know. Perhaps it goes beyond a Fanboy mentality here. "
- chips -

It is not that one would take offense, who cares. It just shows childish actions. But based on you logic we would have:

$un Micro$ytem

or O$ X for Apple.

of Fla$h from Macromedia?

Or where ever a company use S we replace with $?

Or is the convicted monopoly the criteria.

All companies are here to make money not just MS. It is just an individual's perception if they are here to make money or work the business. And if one perceives they are all about money they use the $. Who cares we get the point if people did not use it one day I might forget that MS has a lot of money. I guess I should be glad, because I think in that past 20 years I have forgotten from time to time that MS has money.

If MS was into making money they would be a printing press for the US government and not a software company.

And then some equates MS money to Bill Gate and him being greedy. Or is it all of us with out money and we have envy.

Like I said who cares about money can't take it with you and you have to leave it behind for your kids (if you have them). Or you could give your money away.

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/default.htm

I know and someone will turn that into lies and deception by saying the foundation is just done as a tax write off. Bill, Milinda and MS don't care about poor people because poor people have no $$$$$$$ and you can't make more $$$$$$ from nothing.

Well, you make a little more sense there in that post, but I guess I still just don't understand your point. That is, WHY you are personally offended with the M$ thing?

Now I would ask you to think about this you said;
"And then some equates MS money to Bill Gate and him being greedy. Or is it all of us with out money and we have envy."

Bill Gates by his own words at one time had more than 100 billion dollars. He founded M$ with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Therefore, what M$ does to this day, are the basic policies of Bill Gates and his friends, like Steve Ballmer.

I submit to you its not envy, its the FACT that Micro$oft uses its power of the monopoly to overcharge people, even those who cannot really afford it, for its software. You cannot really say that the average computer user even in the USA knows how to do anything expect to go down to a store like Best Buy and buy a computer with Windows Vista on it. That software is not free, the OEM paid for it and passed on the cost to the user. So for most people, they have to pay.

So the other question is, you don't think Bill Gates and M$ are greedy? Funny, there are two states that have decided in court that M$ is too greedy.

As far as the Gates Foundation, its really has little to do with this discussion. I do hope its more than a "tax write off," as you put it. Or a clever way (scam) to pass on the wealth, and pay no taxes, by letting one relatives and friends run the Foundation with a big salary. Now I have no way to know if this is true or not. And I hope that Bill is truly trying to make amends for other things he has done wrong in his business life.

I don't know for a fact that there is life after death, or if one is punished or rewarded for the good or evil they have done while here. I wish Bill Gates well, and perhaps the Money for the Foundation will help him in the afterlife. Still, he took money from those who could not afford it really, using monopolistic practices. His company, with him at the helm stole code from Stac Electronics and others. Then there was his dealing with Netscape, IBM, Digial Research, and many others, that were either illegal or morally unethical.

It is not for me to judge Bill Gates, but I would say, that no matter how much he gives to the "Foundation," he has not made it right with the companies and computer users,that his company, Micro$oft, has screwed over during the course of his lifetime. So while perhaps giving money to the Foundation maybe or maybe not a scam. (I don't know)But it does not compensate for the wrong things that he has already done to those he and M$ did them to. But that will be Bills problem to deal with, in the next world, if there is one. Doubt if he loses any sleep over it.

Will the Foundation be enough for Bill on the other side to make up for the other things he has done. Maybe, maybe not, not for me to judge. Would I buy a used car from Bill, NO.

And, what I see now, with the "phony patent attack" on Linux, is just more of the low down (FUD) like tactics from a morally bankrupt, but very very rich company. So I think not too much has really changed with Billy Gates and Micro$oft.

Could Micro$oft change, and I would stop using the $ key. Sure, but not while the current crooks are running the show. When Ballmer, and Gates are really gone, maybe they will change.

From the company that brought us Vista, more on the design problems of the Xbox360;

Why Xbox 360s Heat Up and Crap Out

http://kotaku.com/gaming/japan-explains/why-xbox-360s-heat-up-and-crap-out-286202.php

Chips
You are "out of luck" reflections is NOT me ! I have read his comments with great interest and I am glad to see them.
It is funny how when someone (in this case reflections) said something against Joe up springs Chips the very next comment, strange about that isn't it Chips !!!
And it is also very strange that you "always" can provide links to somewhere else to back up "your" point of view !!!

Neil;

What your point Neil?

Isn't it better to have some actual facts than to base everything on M$ Fanboyism emotion like you do?

That link on the Xbox makes me wonder if MSFT didn't design it so it would break after the warranty was up, you know, planned obsolescents. So just like they do with their Windows software, so they can sell the Xbox every couple of years again, after its out of warrenty. Only the problems hit faster than they figured.

Surely a company of the size of MSFT with all their money and talent had to be able to design a product better than that. Or could they actually be that dumb?

Chip
"Well, you make a little more sense there in that post, but I guess I still just don't understand your point. That is, WHY you are personally offended with the M$ thing? "

How more clear could it be, are you choosing not to understand. Should I say as the Linux mantra and please have an "Open" mind?

"I'm not offended, I know it is offensive (that is the point?), but I look beyond that and see the childish game and see the children behind it." To one the seeing the butt crack of someone is offensive but for me it is not, understand?

Just because it is offensive does not mean one is offended. Again I get it MS did something offensive (they are a monopoly tried and true done over with), instead of forgiving we act childish and do offensive things like use a $ or whatever. I'll stop if you stop. In your mind's eye they don't stop so you wont. Got it. They continue you continue and Microsoft-Watch.com will continue.

Was anyone offend by my O$ X comment or $un Micro$ytem or even micro$oft-watch? Those statements where meant to be offensive and childish, no? Did I cause someone to doubt the purpose of those products and/or companies? Did you all see the subliminal message? I'm sure eWeek with the advertisement on the web pages are making money from MS FUD. Now even this web site is greedy can I trust Joe and friends? Joe what is you kickback from advertisement, you greedy person. Fud fud fud.

The question is not if others lie or tell the truth, and if I am or not when stating my stance. The question is can you trust anyone? Or as Molder of the X-files would say "Trust no one."

In the end $ is also spreading FUD, no? Leaving one to the exact question you bring up. Am I dealing with a greedy company? Should I deal with them if all they want is my money?
-----------------------
chips BTW
"...decided in court that M$ is too greedy."

What two states where these law suits in? That MS was found to be "too greedy". I just want to know what state have laws against being "too greedy". Or was it something else that was interpreted as greed? If it true, I want to make sure I do business with companies from these states. They do not tolerate "greed" and one can be sued for it? Just image being a company from that state when they claim some company form another state as being "too greedy". I want to find out about these stat laws those would be some great state laws to prevent having "too greedy" of a company.
-----------------------
Just thought I would post something while SuSue Linux is downloading for an install on a virtual machine hosted on a Virtual Server 2005 right next to my Vista Business and Windows 2003 guest OS. Now all I need to do is get Apple to release their OS X so I can install that on a virtual machine. Or is that "O$ X", because Apple won't let me install it on anything other than an Mac, come one I want to choose the computer to install it on. Funny though I could install Windows XP on my iMac with Bootcamp. I need to get Virtual PC or VM Ware on the Mac, but does not solve the problem if not being able to install OS X on a Virtual Server 2005.

Ohh wait that is the not so real Linux by the not so real Linux company called Novel. It does not meet the "Try Linux before you speak" requirement. Which one would I need to install as for fulfilling the "Try Linux before you speak" if the one Novell provides does not? Will I have GPL3 issue, sorry for fudding at the end of the post, or should I say all over it it subtleFUD.

To computer guy;
California and Iowa. It will be harder for you to google (or MSN if that is your thing) the California case, as you going run into whole lot of hits on the class actions suites for the Xbox360. The Iowa case is most recent.

Norminally, I would look up the links for you. Have fun with SuSE or M$, or whatever you wish to try/use.
Regards,
Chips

To Computer Guy;

I am not a Mac OS X user. But I do believe that OS X only runs on a Mac with a trusted Computing Chip on the motherboard. The software OS X looks for this chip on bootup.

There are some rumored "cracked" OS X x86 illegal dvds out there somewhere, that might or might now work on your VM. Again, I don't run Mac, but I am a geek and do fix computers, so I try to know a little about all the systems. Mostly OS X is some kind of combination of BSD/Darwin and Mac software. BSD being very similar under the hood to Linux.

And California is not full of greedy people? You must be talk about those people from the way up north, maybe not in the San Francisco area but further up in Humboldt County, Eureka. Those people living in the communes? Those could be the only none greedy California's that I can think of otherwise the majority is pretty greedy from what I hear.

I don't see the connection between those cases and MS as being "too greedy"? I will do the research and see if I can make the connection between the lawsuits and MS being "too greed". The only connection I see with the California lawsuite is that is where most of MS competitors are from, but that points to an X-Files episode. The conspiracy theory that competitors wanted the lawsuite and not consumers. I wont go there because I'm a consumer and saw and still see the good that came from the settlement with out going to the extreme of fighting evil with evil.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/01/ap3978613.html

That one is just the people of that state cashing in on the MS Monopoly and getting their $10 to $20. I be that would have been more but the lawyers representing the people more than likely cashed in one some of that. Those greedy lawyers.

"Customers can claim $16 for each copy of Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS. Microsoft Excel is worth $25 a copy, and Microsoft Office is worth $29."

"For Word, Works and Home Essential software, consumers can claim $10 a copy, according to the agreement."

Nothing about being found "too greedy." fud?

If the California case is like the Iowa one then your talking about the payment for the monopoly settlement?

I going out on a limb to read what you mean by "...decided in court that M$ is too greedy."

So in you mind's eye
"too greedy" = "monopoly"
or
"too greedy" = "convicted of a monopoly"
or
something else?
And as an example using that logic:
Does Apple have a monopoly on the MP3 player with the iPod? If one has a monopoly then they are "too greedy"?

I shouldn't say the rumored disks are illegal, as I really don't know, and am not a lawyer.

To computer guy;

Quote, from your own post;
""Customers can claim $16 for each copy of Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS. Microsoft Excel is worth $25 a copy, and Microsoft Office is worth $29."
----------------------------------------------------

Now what do you want to call that? Too greedy, or a monopoly payment? They, M$, charged too much, (too greedy) and had to pay, now didn't they?

I think this conversation is not going anywhere. So have fun with SuSE and Micro$oft,

Regards,
Chips

Chips
...and that is an honest trust worthy statement. Now I'm all for the Linux community when one suggest the following:
"There are some rumored "cracked" OS X x86 illegal dvds out there somewhere, that might or might now work on your VM."
Are you suggesting that I use illegal DVDs? So how am I to trust and believe the Linux purpose from a Linux person when they suggest I perform illegal activities? See this is the point you can't see clearly and that is you can't make a right with two wrongs. I can't correct MS by steeling from Apple.
It is not that I don't want to believe you or trust you, but you give me no a good reason too.

Joe Wilcox
This weekly FUD bit troubles me greatly as the same people each week are saying things there is nothing new here.
It seems to be just an opportunity for people to vent (their already vented views) again and again.
I feel that the only "real" FUD around here is This site itself. For along time now people (including myself) have thought of this site as "Micorsoft Bash", but now you have upped the ante to "Microsoft FUD".
If people people wanted their views backed up they only to come here to find the full range of microsoft hatred.
Disenchanted microsoft users, Apple, Linux and if by the stroke of chance, a harmless fly enters this site he would be gobbled up by the hatred here. Anyone who dares voice an opinion other than the "norm" (Normal for Microsoft Watch that is) will be told that he or she is a shill by "chips" etc.
This site is no longer what it used to be, and these FUD session are a case in point, they only spread "fear" and misunderstanding.
If you want all types opinions fine ... but this is not opinion, this is pandering to the fringe of this dark side.

Computer Guy;

I did not sugguest you use any illegals Disks, I was just trying to explain how the MAC Trusted Computing Chips work. Please don't put words in my mouth.

As far as you being a Linux or Mac user, I have my doubts, too.

Or was the perseption that they charged too much? I still think they charge to much to this day. Anything more than a dollar is too much for anything is too much. In minds eye we should only pay 99 cents for everything. OS X is too much and that is why you suggest to stell it and use illegal coppies? My car is to expensive should I sue? No I need a majority vote or my cars competitors to complain.
Anyone that charges $10 over the percieved price then is greedy? Oh wait let me see $10 is what 15% of the cost of the products they are talking about. So if I percieve the price of my car to be 15% over the cost or price of what I think then my car manufacture is greedy. If mac sells the iPhone for way more than what it cost apple is greedy. If MS made the OS and sold it for more than what it was worth they are greedy. That was also just a small piece of the lawsuite there was more for the OEMs.
perseption and fud. what is fud for one could be seen as fudge for another. Are they fudging the facts or fudding the facts.

Whose talking about flies? I do seem to hear someone buzzing about my ears, Hi Neil.

Same posts I see, the endless whinning about anyone or Joe saying anything about your hero and God Bill Gates and the almight buck that MS is reeming users for. The broken record of these M$ wannabe Fanboys is getting old now.

ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK. Be careful, one of these days you will overheat just like a XBOX.

Neil
Ya that is why I suggested he not make another post. Come back and a week and we will still be here.

But eventually with sites like these I will fade away. I come for the small entertainment and humor.

I let it go for now wait for the morning and see more repeated posts.

Funny is to read an articel and read the comments having nothing to do with the article.

We will see next week subtleFUD, FUD, and Fudge.

chips
then why even make a comment about doing illegal activity?

computer guy, or is it Neil?

I don't steal or pirate software, but I bet you are using pirated XP. And I don't run OS X either. While I was trying to help to explain why your OS X did not work in non Mac hardware in a VM, you decided to acuse me of piracy.

So what I say, have a nice day, pirate.

Chips,computer guy, M$ Dork
Thank you for proving my point correct ! I knew you guys would not be able to resist.

Neil,
You don't have a point, thats the problem.

chips
All I'm saying is leaving things like this out of a post
"There are some rumored "cracked" OS X x86 illegal dvds out there somewhere, that might or might now work on your VM."
I'm not for illegal activity and would never speak of it.
I was just wondering why you would put it in a post as not being a suggestion. Just being informative? I guess if I took you up on that "information" then I can't say to the cops that I got the idea form a post by chips?

I was just making a point that you took literally and made suggestion to solve the problem. Thank for the suggestion, I mean explanation. But my point was if Apple wanted to they could put the OS X on any Intel platform. But to your point I was implying that they are greedy because they do not allow me legally to put OS X on a VM. I was NOT looking for a solution then to be followed up be name calling. I konw it is hard for you to trust people but I don't steal. The point was why can we bitch and complain about MS (ohh ms-watch.com that is why), but something as simple as running OS X on any PC or VM is not viable?

It is the concept that Joe needs to compare and contrast FUD as to not put it in a light on ms-watch.com that these are MS only activities. Which only adds to the FUD.

Got to go I'm overheating, I hope I have a Core System for backup.

Neil,
I get your point but if you look at the timing of the postings you will see I'm not pigeon watching the web site. But thankx for grouping with the others.

I came here at night see the same things as the morning made my points and now I'm leaving.

I get your point unlike chips his open mind is a bit closed.

See ya neil in the morning maybe wont even be a day or two. Good point.

these post are like a programmer stuck in the shower. Wet Lather Rinse Repeat.

Computer guy;
LOL, there u go ago putting words in my mouth,

quote;
"I'm not for illegal activity and would never speak of it." Fine, its not illegal to speak of it.

Second, I told you the disk, if it even exsists is probably illegal. And furthermore, get this, why you could not get your OS X working in a PC, to save you some time. Not so you could go out a pirate the maybe disk, but so you would know you were just wasting your time. Trying to help someone who is a complete JERK.

chips, Here is how to make a connection

You stated "its not illegal to speak of it." implying that I said that it was illegal but I did not. That you where correcting me? And you do not make a connection between my statement "I'm not for illegal activity and would never speak of it." and your reply. But if you see I did not say "it was illegal of speaking of it." I said I would not speak of it. See the connection?

Also, If you look back at my original posting I was trying not to be offensive and to respect your comments by not to reading into your statement too much. I was asking a question and hypothesis on why you would even put that in a post, sorry. And yes I have worked with iMac and OS X and know that for now legally you can't install it on anything other than a iMac. I was just further hypothesizing a situation that would be nice in a Windows IT support environment with some iMacs. An idea would be to put OS X on a VM for testing maybe who knows what possiblities might exist, web site testing, etc... Buy the OS with out the hardware. But for now I test on my iMac hardward with Mac OS X.

Here was part of my post
"Are you suggesting that I use illegal DVDs?"
I gave you an opportunity to clarify not attack me. Sorry. I kinda knew that you where not suggesting that I do something illegally I was just pointing out that it coudl be turned that way and doing that in the form of a question. I was just tyring to help you help the Linux community or what ever one you are for by not attacking people regardless of your opinion of them it does not help the cause for you, me, or others that was my other point. "Two rights do not my a right."

Niel I'll stop really. Turning out the lights now. BTW those are to be green ones not a ring of read ones right?

Computer Guy;
Quoting you;
"Niel I'll stop really. Turning out the lights now. BTW those are to be green ones not a ring of read ones right?"
---------------------------------------------------
So what are you guys roomates? Or what?

also;
Quote;
"Also, If you look back at my original posting I was trying not to be offensive"
---------------------------------------------------
No you were trying to be offensive. Time to move on and talk with real honest people. Good Day.

Chips, speaking of moving on I think you need to move to northern California hang out on a commune for (disconnect) a while with the none greedy people. Are we now down to "I got the last word game." how many games do you have? Roommates with Neil funny, hehe ohh man, been a long time since I heard a word like "roommate", college times maybe high school.
--
Elizabeth: Good night, John Boy.
John-Boy: Good night, Elizabeth. Good night, Daddy.
John: Good night, Son. Good night, Mary Ellen.
Mary Ellen: Good night, Daddy. Good night, Mama.
Olivia: Good night, Mary Ellen. Good night, Jim Bob.
Jim Bob: Good night, Mama. Good night, Erin.
Erin: Good night, Jim Bob. Good night, Ben.
Ben: Good night, Erin. Good night, everybody.

Goodnight John Boy.

Yea, and I think you and Neil are birds of a feather too. Both of you live to attack anyone who says anything against Micro$oft.

But thanks for the advice about Northern California, a little to close to you and Redmond for me.

Hmmmm.... The comments on this blog do nothing for techies who try *not* to come off as fanatical geeks who are nothing but adolescents with not enough to do with their free time.

MS, M$, who cares? Microsoft owns so much of the market, it doesn't matter if you love them or hate them. Microsoft is a market force and everyone who makes money doing IT should pay attention regardless of your favorite technology.

I use Windows products because some of my clients use these products, and I better know what I am doing. I use Linux because I like it, and I make some money running projects on Linux. My best money comes from big Unix, but I can't afford to run my own servers (or at least none worth the bother to set up).

In the 18 years I have been doing consulting work, I have seen dramatic shifts in technology, and I have had to refresh my skills many times.

Get over your prejudices and focus on the business impact of Microsoft. Operating Systems are tools and nothing more. Pick the right tool for the job and move on.

With respect to this specific blog entry, most big software projects are late. Why should Microsoft be any different?