What is Microsoft up to??

Microsoft has given it's source code for its operating system to the Russian government, to help it "safe guard" national secruity.
The deal, which is equilalent to KFC revealing its secret recipie, will allow Russia to verify secruity within the windows system and create secure programs of its own.

The only other government to have the code is the US, but Microsoft is in talks with with NATO and 20 other countries.

Critics say the move is intended to dicourage governments from embracing "open source" software and soften them up for Microsoft's next generation software platform Palladium (source: New Sceintist)

Ok, being the inqusitive person I am, I read up a bit on this "Palladium" idea, it is a set of new secruity oreintated capabilites in windows, it has enabled new hardware and the goal is to protect software from software, I was just wondering what other's idea's and thoughts are on the idea of this new Palladium, and why Mircosoft would place the source code in to Russia's hands?

(The Private report written about it can be veiwed here Palladium (http://www.epic.org/privacy/consumer/microsoft/nistpalladium.pdf))

Quite clearly Microsoft is trying to conquer the ****ing world, but that's just my thoughts.

Originally posted by DPD
Quite clearly Microsoft is trying to conquer the ****ing world, but that's just my thoughts.

Quite

man i knew MS was sneaky, always wanting to know error reports and having to register everything , but never this sneaky
and Bill gates just wants more money, greedy bastard

Apart from all the money making, Russia is a smart enough country to relize what Bill Gates may be up to, so why would they agree to this, if there wasnt something else in it for them?
And what the hell would it be..? (maybe I am asking the wrong questions?)

Well, for one, it gives Russia more power. As The Oracle (thanks aRcHiTeCt :D ) herself said, what is it that all men with power want?

They did that with Linux, and look at it now- it's one of the more popular OS (aside from OSX and Windows). Many schools (at least in America) are switching over to it because it's so bloody cheap, as are its programs.

With Russia having the source, it'll make it a heck of a lot easier to find program flaws. Perhaps Microsoft is just trying to start WW3 in pathetic hopes of letting all countries fall, thus allowing Bill Gates to take control of everything...

First it was the oracle who said that quote about men and power, secondly Bill gates might not be happy with 100+billion dollars so he wants more and this will enable him to spread his risks even wider, and lastly NO offense but I think russias abit stupid to agree to this, however we will wait and see the outcome of this.

I love the last page : Microsoft Government.

Microsoft is obviously expanding the market, what I fear most is exchange of information. Imagine the FBI uses Windows XP, imagine what could happen.

For example, here in Holland, our police interrogation rooms were monitored by a system created by an Israeli company. Later it leaked the Israeli government could watch the confidential information!

An outrage I would say, and I believe Microsoft could do the same. It would certainly allow the US government, or the people behind it to influence the world even further.

We are headed for 2010, is mankind ready for it?

HU

I think microsoft might dominate the russian market and create a monoply....

I think Microsoft may have some hidden agenda in giving the code to the russians somehow minitoring what they are up too.., but it may come back to bite them in the arse (microsoft that is :D) , and aRcHeItEcT they pretty much already have a monopoly ex. when you go to the store do you ever think to pick up a Linux program probaly not i say the only real competition microsoft has is Apple *cough cough* :D

True, you won't typically go to the store with Linux programs in mind, but that's half of my point-- Linux, although it's open-source, isn't as popular as it should be.

Going open-source is what made it popluar (and inexpensive). Windows is ALREADY popular, and I doubt will ever be inexpensive. Why would Microsoft want such a thing??

So many computers come with Windows already installed-- the few that don't are the ones prone to getting Linux. If someone has a choice, however, they usually will pick one of the two. I have yet to encounter someone who's built their own computer and said, "hmm. I need an operating system. I think I'll go buy OSX." (heck, I don't even know if you can buy it outside of an Apple computer)

Stink, I don't really know what I'm getting at. I guess I'm just stating some things on my mind at the moment. Sorry....

I pity microsoft competitors, they have little chance in expanding and probably aim for survival and minimum profit......

I think its gonna take an already big company to be of any competion to microsoft, like Sony they too are starting to come out with computers, some of the best ones yet for non-mac users
besides it would take a while to get any competition because just about any program you can get at the store is Microsoft based

Personally, it doesn't make a difference to me because our lives couldn't get much worse with it. For all I know, our country could have complete control over our lives and we wouldn't even know it. Oh, and Helios, is your avatar an Archon?

The country probaly already does have control over most things but no where near complete control yet, the world isnt computerized enough yet... for that to happen , and yes it is an Archon I also have a negitive image Archon too black and green

What do you mean the world is not computirized enogh yet??

He means that not every country is technologically advanced. We still have countries that are third world, and those that are tribal, and will not change at all. If Mr. Gates wants to take over the world with technology, then the whole world needs to be technologized, and I mean the "WHOLE" world.

Yes exactly and even in the so called technological nations there are vast areas where there isnt even electricity (ex.Omish), it could be 100 years before the world is homogenized on a technological standpoint for "takeover" to even be an option

Well, I dunno...we haven't really looked at the good things and very tactical decisions MS made that helped both it and most importantly the average man.
Don't forget: MS created a uniform and user-friendly interface that while the world complains about, apparently finds no qualms with using anyway. Don't forget also that with Directx, MS has done wonders for us gamers by making things alot smoother and universal (remember config.sys?). Lastly don't forget that with their focus on building solid codes that easily allow for all kinds of hardware configs and accompanying software (essentially opening up the hardware market for a free-for-all), they have created the competition necessary for computer parts to become as cheap and cutting-edge as we are now. Remember how computers cost back in the age of DOS? Well, be thankful for current changes, and try to do the man a little grudging justice. ;)

Mac, let us not forget the IRCNews Guide to being l33t.

"Everything Microsoft Does Sucks

Microsoft is not l33t. Everything they do sucks, everybody knows that. It is helpful if you view Microsoft as an enemy army of some kind. I know, I know - you use Windows. BUT THAT'S OKAY. You can blame that on your parents or because all the good games are for Windows. Why anyone uses Microsoft Office is beyond you, because everything Microsoft does sucks. To be l33t, you cannot praise anything Microsoft does; ever. (but it's ok to own Microsoft stock, because let's face it they make mucho cash - but they still suck)"

So, as you can plainly see, this is just the way things are.

I will add my views on Gates. He is a shark. A university drop out who got windows from Xerox (who were the first ones to come up with the GUI Graphical User Interface that graces our monitors),who thought they would show it to micro$oft, IBM, Dell and Apple. micro$oft and Apple then ran back to their perspective labs and ripped off the Xerox design. Now he is laying in bed with his once enenmies (the wonderful open source and Apple to a certain extent) for undoubtably personal gains. Those gains being money money and more money. He is also a hypocrite, who is keeping the grey market busy selling his wares to third world countries, though outwardly the little snake denies supporting the grey market. His ultimate objective ladies and gents, control. World control. I'd sum him up as the worlds biggest buttplug really...meh...that's just my thoughts.

If some one has the source code to a operating system does that mean that the person with the code can get into anyones computer using that operating system?

If some one has the source code to a operating system does that mean that the person with the code can get into anyones computer using that operating system?

No, but it will allow you to find the loopholes. Hacking isn't as easy as it used to be, as firewalls are being integrated in practically everything these days. Although XP is reasonably safe from the common hacker, it is pretty vulnerable to viral attacks.

If you are wondering whether Gates can get into the FBI computer no problem, than yes. They just need to put a backdoor in one of them update packages, and they are in. Considering Microsoft is now also supplying to a lot of governments, he's got quite some power.

Philantrope, bah!

Mr U

And in finding those loopholes it's all about knowing code. All these up and coming script kiddies who have a vague knowledge of coding are indeed a pain, however it's the ones who are the old skool crackers. That's who folks have to worry about, as these guys are good, and used on both sides. One side make the patches, and then there are the others paid to make the anti-patches to stop the patches. Gates has plenty of these guys in his employ. And it goes on and on from there. As the old saying goes, 'It takes a theif to catch one'.

And in finding those loopholes it's all about knowing code. All these up and coming script kiddies who have a vague knowledge of coding are indeed a pain, however it's the ones who are the old skool crackers. That's who folks have to worry about, as these guys are good, and used on both sides. One side make the patches, and then there are the others paid to make the anti-patches to stop the patches. Gates has plenty of these guys in his employ. And it goes on and on from there. As the old saying goes, 'It takes a theif to catch one'.

It get's really funny when you realise who get's payed the best. After all, a lot of internet banking systems are also secured with the same microsoft system.

Indeed, UT, the old skools since they know the stuff from the beginning. For people like me at least, the whole coding is too hard to learn, and have fun finding a tutorial on how to learn the basics of Windows coding and understanding it.
Besides, the old skool crackers don't even want others to join in their 'war'. It's probably why they release their programs (ya know, fill in an ip-adress, click hack, and you're in) anyway.

Oh, and why would you want to make a fortune in a few seconds when you can dedicate your whole life to a materialistic struggle trying to make ends meet, so you can finally at 65 sit in your garden drinking a margherita you'll be puking up later that night because your stomach can't take alcohol anymore?

Cool blue name, by the way, UT.

Mr U

It get's really funny when you realise who get's payed the best. After all, a lot of internet banking systems are also secured with the same microsoft system.

Indeed, UT, the old skools since they know the stuff from the beginning. For people like me at least, the whole coding is too hard to learn, and have fun finding a tutorial on how to learn the basics of Windows coding and understanding it.
Besides, the old skool crackers don't even want others to join in their 'war'. It's probably why they release their programs (ya know, fill in an ip-adress, click hack, and you're in) anyway.

Oh, and why would you want to make a fortune in a few seconds when you can dedicate your whole life to a materialistic struggle trying to make ends meet, so you can finally at 65 sit in your garden drinking a margherita you'll be puking up later that night because your stomach can't take alcohol anymore?

Cool blue name, by the way, UT.

Mr U

Thanks HU, and I have to say I'm loving your pink title. Though I asked for light blue lol. Oh well, still part of teamcolor though I should start posting in blue once more.

Back to the old skool vrs the scripters. These old/origional guys are indeed on the enternal search to be better than the other no matter what side they're playing on, and where money is not truly the driving force (eg: Kevin Mitnick) nor their god. It is something far more than that to them.

Oh, and don't sell yourself short honey. A little knowledge utilised the correct way is always a good thing to have under your belt sir. And believe me you have it.

I just caught some bastard making hacking attempts into my PC.. So I virused the bum... HA! :D

Ahem... Anyway, theres people around that will tell you that they know how to hack and that they are full on experienced in it and stuff... Put those people in front of a computer and tell them to hack something and they'll pretend that they forgot or won't know... Why? Hackings fun, but not something to be proud of... Ok, I admit, if I hacked into Microsoft then I'd be laughing at Bill Gates all the time... lol. :

I just caught some bastard making hacking attempts into my PC.. So I virused the bum... HA! :D

that was you?... I'm sorry :p

Ahem... Anyway, theres people around that will tell you that they know how to hack and that they are full on experienced in it and stuff... Put those people in front of a computer and tell them to hack something and they'll pretend that they forgot or won't know... Why? Hackings fun, but not something to be proud of... Ok, I admit, if I hated into Microsoft then I'd be laughing at Bill Gates all the time... lol. :

There are those 'Script kiddies' who are extremly good to make fun of.
Hacking's like a past time, you don't get there without knowlegde of what you are doing. There are so many site's around that are full of absolute crap when it comes to computer skills/hacking ect. But if you know how, then it's fun.. not that I would know... what?! :p
You enter in IRC channels on hacking, and you have it full of kiddies wanting to know 'How do you hack a website' because they want to deface it, and write some stupid ass message.. I say, the best deface hack was '3lite' on the C.I.A site, quite some time ago... anyway, I am sure that Bill Gates laughs twice as hard as we do, when he reads some of the shit posted up about computers/hacking. I would to, if I were him.

There, there, Stalin6025, that isn't all true. Scriptkiddies, some at least, can actually do something. There are quite a lot of programs on the net that are quite capable of creating a connection with another computer (let's keep it in layman's therms ;)) and by pressing several buttons allows the scriptkiddie to do some nasty stuff.

The main problem, however, is the in depth knowledge of how a system works. Windows, when it was in it's very earliest roots was easy to hack. However, with a lot of money, and a lot of years, it's very easy to improve upon a system and make it near impenetrable. Script-kiddies, who are mainly composed out of 11-year old AOLers have absolutely no idea about this system and how to penetrate it.

And, let's face it, the minute you finally find a way into the sytem, Windows releases a patch the day after, making sure you never do that again. A true hacker/cracker, take your pick, needs to stay updated on patches, and needs to know the entire structure of the system if he is to ever hack properly without resorting to some weak programs using a port that could be easily blocked by a firewall.

There lies the problem, however. There really aren't that many old-skool hackers/crackers left, and most of them have gotten tired of them and are working at microsoft or some other corporation, finally making some dough.

Hacking a website is easy, once you know the basics of server hacking. Just give yourself admin rights, and change the site. Problem is, people don't know how to hack a server, and frankly I have no idea how to hack a server... these days ;).

Knowledge get's old, and you need to keep up with progress if you are to success.

Oh, and cracking is uncool and really bad! :p

Mr U

Although I support what you are saying I must correct something many of you keep throwing. There are to class of programmers: Hackers and Crackers.

CRACKER is a programmer who `cracks' (gains unauthorized access to) computers, typically to do malicious things; "crackers are often mistakenly called hackers". -SOURCE:WEBSTERS ONLINE DICTIONARY.

While a HACKER is a programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm; "true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers"-SOURCE:WEBSTERS ONLINE DICTIONARY.

:cry: So as you can see those who hack harm none... Lets use this term correctly so were not just throwing a title around. :D

:D Thank you, Goethe, for emphasising that there are two different types of programmers. :D

And although I hate Bill Gates... He's just a man with no ethics... And like attournys those are the most effective business men.

Peace out till later,
Natiku

I'd say Microsoft is a monopoly, but being the person that I am, I don't think they should be broken up. Many software companies like Mac will try to compete with Microsoft well into the future, but they will most likely not succeed. Almost eveything used on a PC is Microsoft (software at least). Whether its a Dell, Compaq, IBM, whatever, all the software has a Microsoft software base.

Microsoft will be hard to beat, due to it products and software.