12.08.07
A Dozen Words Show Why Linspire Just ‘Gets’ Linux
From the Publisher Program benefits at Linspire:
- Protect your software and IP
Present EULA requirements or deliver activation keys.
A quick look at the status and the address bar confirms that this is not a case of cross-site scripting involving microsoft.com. This is Linspire.
Activation key, EULAs, and oh dear! “Intellectual property”, which is a big no-no. It’s somewhat similar to calling copyright infringers “thieves”, “pirates” or — as the head of the MPAA put it the other day — “criminals”. Remember the “high-brow pirates” remark from Linspire’s former CEO? It didn’t work out too well.
Even Freespire, by the way, is subjected to terms which can raise a brow. █
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.
Dude said,
December 9, 2007 at 3:32 am
Are you saying that any commercial software that requires an activation code is evil? You do understand that there is a whole world of Linux based software that isn’t open source…Transgaming, CrossOver Office, Win4Lin, Parallels and the list goes on. Are you saying these software vendors are evil because they charge money and use activation codes?
Roy Schestowitz said,
December 9, 2007 at 4:15 am
I’d never use the word “evil”, so putting that word in my mouth isn’t necessary. I pointed out that it’s not Free software, that’s all.
Victor Soliz said,
December 9, 2007 at 6:38 am
I think making a debian redistribution and making it require an activation code is evil. It’s supposed to be free software…
Roy Schestowitz said,
December 10, 2007 at 3:12 am
Linspire entire business model is based on CNR, which I suppose you can now argue is Free software. Here is a relatively recent video where Welch explains the role of CNR, among many other things.