Linux Community to Redmond - Do The Right Thing.

once again, our thanks goes to HeliOS Project Director Bob P. for bringing this to us. - h

"...as you can see from the dedicated ip's, you are on their LBOI list. I can't say for sure that Ballmer views your site but someone at CR (castle Redmond) has been assigned to monitor several blogs and Linux news sites, It's obvious that you are on "the List". Congrats or condolences, depending on any future outcomes..."

LBOI = Linux Blogs of Interest.

We've known for a while now that Microsoft, or someone at Microsoft buzzes our blog and website from time to time. And yes...we have a mole...did you expect anything different from us?

They've also spent some time at the Lindependence site. Gratifying but ultimately, not really a big deal. Not for one silly little website.

But when you have several sites banging the same drum and that drumbeat begins to resound with echoes that are impossible to ignore, you get results.

Results like this.

It would be the height of arrogance to think that we accomplished this by ourselves...and as much as a few would like you to believe, we at boh are not delusional...not on a dangerous level anyway.

But we can read...We've hammered on this issue for two years.

And we assimilate simple information that leads to one obvious conclusion.

Microsoft IS paying attention to what the Linux Community writes...it's come to a point where they can no longer ignore the obvious. With their stockholders on the verge of revolt and their numbers falling quickly, to do otherwise would be financial suicide.

So congrats MS...you took the Red Pill...

Now comes the bad news...

Unfortunately, doing what you've done only makes the question come out stronger. You haven't killed a valid point against using Windows, you've brought the real issue to the front of the argument. You've sharpened the stake to a flesh-piercing point...

And from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Why should anyone have to use anti virus protection in the first place? And for those who are going to trot out the "security through obscurity" theory. Please don't embarrass yourself.

You'll be laughed out of the room faster than helios at a Chippendale's audition.

Thanks MS...you've finally given us what we need.

But in it all, you still didn't give your customers the full protection your buggy, insecure software needs. Half measures again. You have however, validated and exposed publicly your Achilles heel to the world. Allow us to help spread the word.

And no, it's our pleasure...really it is.

And oh by the way...viruses not withstanding, when Windows can produce this kind of athstetics and functionality without third-party software and do it with 3-4 clicks of the mouse...you might be onto something. As mentioned below...you have quietly released a "feature" that allows for multiple desktops...wonder where that brainstorm originated?

What innovation! What's next?

3D?

All-Righty Then...