WINDOWS/LINDOWS - Microsoft not happy about this...

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http://digitalmass.boston.com/news/globe_story.html?uri=/dailyglobe2/355/business/Software_giant_wants_to_pull_curtain_on_Lindows_name-.shtml

Software giant wants to pull curtain on Lindows name

By Hiawatha Bray, Globe Staff

Can computer software buyers tell the difference between Windows and Lindows? Microsoft Corp. doesn't think so and is suing a California firm to force it to change its name.

Lindows.com Inc. is developing a $99 version of the Linux operating system that will be able to run popular Windows programs.

The product is to be sold under the Lindows brand name, beginning early next year.

But Microsoft says the name of the software is a blatant infringement on the name of Microsoft's flagship product.

The software giant has filed a federal lawsuit in its home state of Washington, demanding that Lindows rename the company and its software.

Lindows.com founder Michael Robertson is no stranger to the courtroom. Robertson also founded MP3.com, the controversial Internet music Web site. Last year, MP3.com launched a service that let users play copyrighted music over the Internet, without getting permission from the major recording companies. The companies sued MP3.com and won, forcing the company to change its business practices.

Robertson thinks that he has a right to sell software under the Lindows name.

''There's not one person who will confuse Windows XP and Lindows OS,'' Robertson said.

He accused Microsoft of an effort to destroy a promising rival.

''Microsoft uses every trick in the book to try to smash competition,'' he said.

Robertson believes that Lindows could be a serious threat to Windows. It costs less, and customers will be allowed to install a single copy on as many machines as they choose, while a copy of Windows may legally be installed on just one computer.

Robertson said that Lindows won't try to achieve perfect Windows compatibility with all programs but will instead focus on common business software, such as Microsoft's own Office suite.

Microsoft spokesman Jon Murchinson insists that his firm has no interest in quashing a rival product but merely wants to protect its brand name.

''Our point here really is that they should not use a name that confuses the public or infringes upon our trademark,'' said Murchinson. ''The courts have been very clear in the past that companies have every right to protect their names from copycats.''

Murchinson said that Microsoft would be willing to meet with Lindows executives to negotiate a resolution of the dispute.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2001

Answers

If Lindows OS crashes like Windows, has security issues like Windows, and is difficult to install and run like Windows, and doesn't offer technical support to the typical enduser in a format that is helpful, then they can bitch.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2001

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