Derek Bodner’s Blog

The latest version of my Desktop Environment of choice, Xfce 4.6, was released. It certainly isn’t a huge revolution, much more of an evolution release. It’s not something that’s going to cause longtime KDE or gnome users to switch because of. But for longtime Xfce users, it’s a nice progression and improves upon stability considerably. The installer they have is fantastic (making it almost pointless to use your package manager), and the entire upgrade went without problems. Hats off to the Xfce team.

In a similar vein, I had to use Windows (Vista) today for the majority of the day because it’s the only thing I had on me. Windows has some catching up to do. I’m not talking about the whiz-bang factor. I think I’ve had compiz installed on my machines for all of about 10 minutes in total. I’m talking about usability.

Sure, Linux is still lacking in the unified “control panel” type configuration, although all of the major DE’s are making major steps in that regard. But on usability things, concepts like (and I’m going to use the Xfce names as that’s what I’m most familiar with) snap to border, focus stealing prevention, smart window placement, heck, even multiple workspaces. I get on a windows box and it just drives me nuts when I go to stick a window in the corner and I just ever-so-slightly miss, and part of the app is hidden offscreen until I notice. Or when I open up a new mail window in thunderbird in a dual monitor setup and, for some reason, it sticks the new mail window in the completely different monitor that I’m using. And don’t get me started on focus stealing. And why can’t I maximize a window horizontally with a keyboard command?

The more I’m away from Windows, the more convinced I become that Microsoft’s edge and “ease of use” comes more from its marketplace advantage than technical prowess.

Well, it happened. For years Microsoft has been claiming Linux infringes on patents they hold, and it appears they’ve finally acted on that threat. Microsoft has sued TomTom, makers of GPS systems powered by Linux.

Microsoft is claiming 9 patent infringements, 3 of which are related to the Linux Kernel and its use of FAT32.

TomTom uses FAT32 to natively recognize removable media.

Which is ironic. Why do you need to use FAT32 if you’re making removable media? Because it’s the only real way to have it be recognized across platform. Microsoft’s refusal to use non-proprietary filesystems has forced manufacturers into using their patented filesystem if they want their users to be able to use it problem-free.

I smell an anti-trust lawsuit coming.

(Note: IANAL).

I don’t find it a coincidence that Microsoft is coming after an embedded device. Microsoft is gaining in server market share, and Linux/BSD’s are not (and likely never will be) a real threat on the desktop. Where is Linux making the biggest gains? Embedded devices. That TiVo you use to record TV. That TomTom that tells you how to get everywhere. That Palm Pre you’ll be buying in a month. Thousands of devices that are powered by Linux, mostly unknown to the general public, represent potential business Microsoft is losing.

This could get interesting. We could either be opening up a Pandora’s Box, or it could be the retaliation leading to another anti-trust case against Microsoft. Or, more likely, TomTom will cave in and settle out of court, which would at the least negate setting a legal precedent for Microsoft to attack future vendors with, but would represent another successful bully for Ballmer and Microsoft.

Microsoft execs have made a number of comments recently about the open source development model, including Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie saying Open Source is a more disruptive competitor than Google, and most interestingly Sam Ramji on the problems with Open Source.

“The other thing I think is missing is implementation of a basic principle of economic fairness. Thousands of developers have put very hard work into building software used by millions of people and companies, yet only a fraction of these developers are rewarded financially. Currently there are perfectly good projects that have been abandoned by their developers despite being used by large corporations. Subsequently the projects fall out of use. This is unnecessary waste that would often be prevented by making it easy for companies to pay the developers directly. I think it’s important to solve this so that the sustainability of open source projects is improved.”

Oh where to begin.

Microsoft commenting about economic fairness. How cute. Microsoft is like a Dinosaur, and the more they try to price gauge their customers, the more they see customers looking for more attractive software options. Believe me, Microsoft is not deeply concerned about the long term viability of Open Source projects (which has already vastly been proven with successes like Red Hat, the Linux Kernel in general, Open Office, BSD’s, et al). And as Microsoft tries to sell 8 different versions of Windows to get the most out of each customer, they continue to miss the obvious feasibility of software as a service. The fear that another software model is succeeding eats at them. Is it really that hard to pay developers if you enjoy their work? No. Most Open Source apps have a donate link on their website.

And, you know, that whole thing about developing software because you love what you’re doing is lost on the corporate culture that is Microsoft. Development isn’t solely a cash cow for all developers. Some actually enjoy it as well.

More importantly, the FUD that he’s stating in there is undeniable. “Projects have been abandoned by their developers”, as if this doesn’t happen with proprietary software. Do we need to go through the list of Microsoft software that’s no longer supported by Redmond? Or that’s failed altogether?

I love when I hear/read people say Open Source will never be more than a hobbyists toy, or that companies will never trust Open Source software. It’s like people only pay attention to Desktop development, and ignore the multitude of devices they use EVERY DAY powered by open source software, including the millions of websites/routers/firewalls etc powered by Linux/BSD. Or the Handheld devices. The TiVo’s they use. Chances are, you use Open Source software every day without knowing it. Open Source software won’t succeed? Too bad. It already has.