JerryLeeCooper.com

Does the linux have a choice ?If one makes the presumption that the modern IT is all about theinternets, then you have to ask yourself ‘Does the Linux even have achoice in this matter  ?’
A modern computing system is not one that is run from the DOS commandline - it is a system that is tied in with the internet instead. Justhave a look at  Vista with Aero for an example of this done right.
You need the outlook to connect in with the mass of email flowingaround us every day. And then there is document collaboration - thesharing of Wordfiles  and Excels between users across state boundries! Voice over IP, internet enabled ’surface’ computing, and voicecommand interfaces - all tied together with  .NET and the Aerointerface.
The driving force behind this internet is the Microsoft SharepointServer - a central peice of systems software which connects all theseend points together,  in a synergistic kaleidoscope that achieves bothbalance and symmetry.
The smart Vendors know that in order to get ahead in the future IT,that means integrating with the internet.
And so, we will see more and vendors of the Linux remit their legalobligations to Microsoft, and then benefit by getting onboard the .NETrevolution.

Secure erase not so secureWhen writing finite bits to the disk sector, there is a finiteprobability that the resultant string of randomised bits MAY in factgenerate something  incriminating.
For example: (regardless of how unlikely this may seem), any string ofrandom characters may well create a brand new wordfile on the computerby pure chance  .. which contains legible words, which string togetherto form sentences which may in turn connect the previous owner of thehard disk with Al-Qaida, the  Mafia, insider trading, un-patrioticactivites, Linux ‘development’, or any manner of unsavory activities.
The larger the hard disk being randomly ‘wiped’ in this fashion, thegreater the probability that some new and undesirable content would becreated by  chance.
I for one would NOT place my trust in such a tool, risking a lifetimeof torment in Guantanimo Bay in exchange for the ’security’ of havingmy hard disk  cleaned prior to resale.
The solution ? One should purchase a new copy of the Vista for thesaid hard disk, and install this on the disk. This would effectivelywipe clean the disk  of any previous content. The disk could then bedisposed of cleanly, with a note that the new owner must purchaseanother legal copy of the Vista before  installing the disk.
In this situation - everyone wins.

Why is Microsoft doing this ?The one crucial question that must be framed is : Why is Microsoftpaying hard currency for these deals ?
Why would they do that unless there was some other agenda ? I thinkthe answer is clear.
Figures from the BSA and RIAA prove beyond all doubt that piracy andintellectual property theft is growing at an alarming rate. A recentarticle published  by the US internet crime complaint centerdemonstrates how receipt of its 1 Millionth complaint shows thatinternet based fraud is both rampant and expanding  beyond all reason.
In this environment of lawless anarchy, it is no surprise to find thatthe Linux is right at home, and growing - in the same way that a wurmgrows fat and  gluttonous when placed in a dark and damp environmentfull of refuse and the despondent cast off’s of a wealthy society.
I am not alone in my beliefs that even in this dreadful situation, theLinux represents a growing market for the softwares. Microsoft hastried for years to  offer their superior office suites and internetproducts to markets outside of the Vista, with little success.
And yet, this is a difficult exersize. Linux represents the oldschool, with its mainframe like interface, and arcane secretprogramming languages. Porting  the softwares to this platforminvolves hiring the hippies who understand this obtuse environment.These people are typically unreliable, and have difficulty  living wththe regular 9-5 work ethic. They believe in intellectual propertytheft, free love, substance abuse, and marxism.
Microsoft has solved these issues in one brilliant sweep by payingcash for access to these Linux secrets, by making these cross patentdeals with the linux  ’Vendors’. This will allow for theinteroperability that the corporations so dearly wish for - theability to run the Microsoft Office, and the IE7, as well  as theVista on top of this growing but amorphous mass known as ‘The Linux’.
In a short time we will all soon see the benefits of these crosslicencing deals, and the softwares will expand out their user basesand be seen everywhere.  Even the most die hard linux afficionado withmatted hair and a red armband will salivate at the prospect of beingable to run the IE7 on his precious linux.

MK ElectronicsI have spoken to MK Electronics - a real and established electronicsfirm in Sweden - and also the Medison ‘partner’ who is handlingdistribution for this  laptop, and according to them, its all real.
This is just bizarre.
Im sure if it was possible to sell a $150 laptop in quantity, thenMicrosoft would already be offering such a product.