Microsoft Fined $613 Million for Abuse of Virtual Monopoly

[Kaniaz]

The European Monopolies Commison has finally had enough of Microsoft's "bulldog" marketing, where they would go up to companies and say: "If you don't do what we want, we won't let you use Windows on your computers". It has been going to a long time now, and since they have ceased to stop this, they have been fined $613 million US dollars. It is an highly illegal activity. Also, the European Monopolies Comission have given Microsoft a deadline of 120 days to to the following things: * Change the Windows Media Player and remove certain things (such as their right to delete your files) * Release complete and accurate information on Windows, so devolpers can engineer their programs (and operatin systems) to work more smoothly with it. Microsoft have attempted to post an appeal to stop the fine from happening, but the EU Monopolies Comisson are not having it and are refusing an appeal- because the appeal could take several years- and they've already had enough of Bill's dodgy business pratices. Also, The EUMC (European Monopolies Comisson), are persisent in stopping Microsoft from trying to release the following things into their new version of Windows: * Adding a google like search (to try and kill of google- I personaly emailed them and they are NOT letting Microsoft buy them out, so that is why they're rying this) * Windows Media Player, because they are concerned that with the growth of Computer media, Windows will force certain encodings and such, and dictate it's future (and possibly monopolize it). Also, they are in violation of the Trade Rights. * Internet Explorer, which is currently forced into Windows illegaly. Following this EU ruling, Sun Microsystems, creator of Java, have spoke up and filed a case against Microsoft (and asked the EU for help), when Microsoft refused to provide details on how to make Sun's computers communicate with Windows computers. Also, a trustee is being appointed to have full access to Microsoft employee files, websites and all other documents, to ensure compliance with the EU ruling. Failure to do so will end up with Microsoft having alot of crap to deal with, perhaps even a European boycott [which would cut off 20% of Microsoft]. The ruling hopes to allow other operating systems, such as Sun's, Linux and Solaris to grow. I'm so happy i'm using Linux. I'd rather not be running an operating systems where the makers indulge in illegal pratices and are currently involved in a gigantic court csae, thanks.

[dougdrums]

*cough*SCO*cough*

[YULAW]

Take that and put it in your Pipe and smoke it Mr. Bill Gates....

[jacobo]

i'm not too hot on government controlling free enterprise... but if he's taking advantage of other people he deserves to touch his toes and take a spanking from the ones he's screwed.

[wasup]

lol 613 million isn't THAT much for Bill gates... if I was him I'd rather buy a million dollar lawyer.

[jacobo]

well if they find his practices to be illegal he'll lose a lot to the other businesses like linux... making his lose considerably more than 613 million...

[YULAW]

Yeah Bill Gates may want to do something soon, because it look pretty bleak, and its inevitable. It may piss people off but I bet he would win in the long run if he hooked up with Jason over there at Macintosh/Apple and they colaborated on something new. Can you imagine the possibilities? OMG it would be so freaking Awesome.