Yes I am aware of Sun's efforts in this regard. But Solaris (and Java) are far less complex than Windows licensing-wise.
For example, Java implements image codecs using Sun-written code. While most of the Windows image, audio, and video codecs are licensed from third parties (a quick dig through the Registry shows a ton of third-party software, even in a fresh Windows install). But the bottom line is that Microsoft won't even document their API's and entry points accurately because they see obfuscation as a competitive advantage for them. So open-sourcing XP is much more far out. It is important to note however that Windows Mobile source code is available. I guess part of the reason is that being a small footprint OS, it has less 3rd-party dependencies. On Fri, Apr 10, 2009 at 9:57 PM, Gideon N. Guillen <[email protected]> wrote: > From: Orlando Andico <[email protected]> > Date: 04/10/2009 20:58 > >> > I am waiting for Microsoft to truly open source (as in GPL) >> Not possible. There is far too much third-party licensed code inside >> Windows that Microsoft doesn't have the right to redistribute. >> They would have to rip out this code and document how to replace it, > > Sun did exactly this thing when they opensourced Solaris and Java. Sun > removed third party proprietary code and there are now open source > implementations of many of those parts. > > But I think what's more important is for Microsoft to fully document all > Windows API and make it available royalty free and have someone else > implement it (maybe something like the ReactOS project). > > _________________________________________________ > Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List > http://lists.linux.org.ph/mailman/listinfo/plug > Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph > -- Orlando Andico +63.2.976.8659 | +63.920.903.0335 _________________________________________________ Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List http://lists.linux.org.ph/mailman/listinfo/plug Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph
