David C. Kerber schrieb: > > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Jim Hall [mailto:jh...@freedos.org] >> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 3:30 PM >> To: freedos-user@lists.sourceforge.net >> Subject: Re: [Freedos-user] patents - was: LFN in FreeDOS >> kernel? - was: aimed compatibility? >> > > ... > >> If LFN support were part of the kernel, a C&D would mean not >> distributing the FreeDOS kernel itself. And that might make >> it very difficult to replace the distro with a non-LFN version. >> >> In the face of these patents, perhaps FreeDOS 1.1 should not >> include DOSLFN, and instead indicate where the user could >> download it separately. (http://www.geocities.com/jadoxa/doslfn/) >> >> When others have asked me, I have recommended a "wait and see" >> approach. As others have pointed out, Microsoft will go after >> Linux first, so if Linux loses the fight, FreeDOS can simply >> remove DOSLFN and move on with plain non-LFN FAT. In February >> 2009, Microsoft filed a patent infringement lawsuit against >> TomTom based on patents related to FAT32 filesystem. Wait for >> the final outcome in that case, then decide based on that >> whether to remove DOSLFN. > > That settled today, with TomTom paying M$ and undisclosed amount of money, > and some cross-licensing agreements for some of the patents that each of them > owns, and TomTOm has to stop using the patents in question within 2 years. > > A big difference, though: TomTom was making money off it, while FreeDOS does > not. > > D >
I do not see the difference between money and no money, you have to explain it. FreeDOS can be also seen as possible factor for less sold and used copys of Windows, because the time people using FreeDOS them are not using Windows and therefore less money with additional products and support. FreeDOS can be Microsoft a thorn in the eye, even if it doesn't coast money. The questionable part is if them would theoretically try it? It's not good press to fight against individuals not charging money and not much money get out of them. -mr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Freedos-user mailing list Freedos-user@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/freedos-user
