Linspire Signs Patent Pact With MS

RLiegh sends us to an AP article reporting that Linspire has signed a patent deal with Microsoft. The company, which started out life as "Lindows," joins a growing list of patent agreements reached between Microsoft and vendors. Linspire will be granted a license to use True Type Fonts and "various code" that would allow for Linspire users to use voice on Windows Live Messenger as well as the usual patent protection for Linspire's customers. In return, among other things, Linspire will make Microsoft's search engine the default search on PCs shipped with their OS. Kevin Carmony, the CEO for Linspire, approached Microsoft a year and a half ago, according to the article.

I want in!

[morgan_greywolf]

Okay. That does it. I want in. Where do I sign up for the free Microsoft cash?

Re:This will devide the boys from the men

[oyenstikker]

He is mad that he never got the developer support for Hurd.

O rly?

[EveryNickIsTaken]

Linspire will make Microsoft's search engine the default search on PCs shipped with their OS.

So that'll increase MS's total by 10 units? Why even make this deal?

Dude, what the FAQ???

[Spy der Mann]

All of a sudden how did Microsoft become as respected as Don Corleone? Everybody's signing pact with them for "protection". And they're JUST BLUFFING!!

I feel as if the world's been turned upside down.

Or maybe the true nature of computer businesses has been revealed. In the end, it's just a bunch of greedy b=$)/"%...

Oink oink [google.com].

Re:I want in!

[dk90406]

Easy: Start your own Distro.

Is Microsoft the new Styx?

[smittyoneeach]

I've got dozens of friends and the fun never ends
That is, as long as I'm buying

Re:Well isn't that special?

[russ1337]

Auctioneer: Going once.... going twice..... *bang!* This Soul goes to the man in red suit who just threw his chair.

Re:I want in!

[Anonymous Coward]

1. Start your own Distro.

2. ???
3. Profit?

Wow, I wish I had done that 10 years ago. I'd be rich!

Re:It could be worse...

[Anonymous Coward]

Bad Geek! Turn in your tinfoil hat!

It's like you're not even remotely familiar with MS' history...

Re:Shuttleworth interview: June 1st, 2007

[aichpvee]

You know, he kind of has some good ideas and seems like a pretty bright guy. So can anyone please explain why he picked gnome for the default desktop?