Hacker gets 2 years for selling Windows source code

[wattage]

I came across this article from Wired and found something hysterical:

"Microsoft also asked for an "appropriate amount" of financial restitution, which the government estimated at $70,000. The judge declined.

The company has long maintained that the source code to Windows and other products are its crown jewels, and that making the code public could cause serious harm by stripping it of trade-secret status, and allowing competitors to duplicate the functionality of Microsoft software."

1: Like Microsoft can justify asking for 70K from an individual..they are the biggest computer software company in the world with a market share of what 90%? I do get the idea though to make those pay for the worms and viruses that cost the world and Microsoft money.

2: See the last sentance of the quote. Ha Ha Ha. Who would want to duplicate the functionality of Microsoft's software, isn't it the worst functioning software available, what with constant upkeep to maintain the computer?

Here is a link to the story:http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70106-0.html?tw=rss.technology

 

[belvdr]

I'm no Microsoft lover, but if it were the worst software ever, I doubt you'd find it in many data centers.

Duplicating functionality would be used to compete with Microsoft. In other words, if you can duplicate explorer, the Windows shell, effectively, and without being sued, you have an alleged greater chance of gaining some market share, because users are familiar with the interface.

 

[e²Studios]

What i found amusing was the fact that the investigators paid the guy $20 for part of the source code and then the FBI agent was going to pay the same before they arrested him for setting up the deal....

Ed

 

[virus1]

duplicating what functionality?