Windows better off closed, says Microsoft
Open source code is for dummies
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Open sourcing Windows is more hassle than it's worth and Microsoft sees little gain in releasing code, according to the man leading Microsoft's server marketing and platform strategy.
Microsoft general manager Bill Hilf has said the Windows source code is "irrelevant for what people want".
Hilf said "most of the knowledgeable people" are actually asking not to be given the source code for Windows, in a video here from Reg Dev contributor and editor in chief of Uberpulse.com Jean-Baptiste Su.
"They don't want source code, they want to write an application like we can write an application: they want to know how does Outlook talk to Exchange."
In Hilf's opinion, there'd be no reason to open source Microsoft's code other than for an "interesting press article".
Before joining Microsoft, Hilf led IBM's Linux and open source software technical strategy. His comments come as Microsoft promised it would publish Windows APIs and protocols in a move roundly welcomed by members of the open source community.®
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COMMENTS
@Dale Harrison
My attempt is to stop people being put off because they only hear "it's too difficult". If you only hear one side, you're getting a skewed picture.
That's why.
Who cares
I'm surprised El Reg hasn't put a stop to all this bickering - or are they all just snickering. I guess they are allowing free speech though.
I use Windows mainly due to work requirements, I have played with Linux (quite some time back) and Mac's long before that. They ALL have good and bad points - deal with it. You're rarely going to convert anyone from one to the other. You've got a choice and you make one. Hell, even run all three, but why waste your time flaming at each other.
On topic, I don't care if MS release their code or not and yes, there probably are loads of hacks and dodgy comments - I bet most large software projects are like this (except mine of course ;-). The only outcome of them releasing their code (aside from the branching problems) will be more MS bashing.
On a final note, someone had added a url to wal_mart and I childishly noticed that it's nearly an anagram of "malware". Totally pointless observation I know, but so are a lot of the comments above. (Oops, now I'm flaming - better choose that fiery icon)
@ Idiot AC
So please tell me what leads you to think there are pixies here? Or is your crack pipe leaking?
When Linux is installed (and why not do what you do with windows: have someone else install it for you!) there's very little administration needed.
Use Mandrake and your exposure is limited severely (small target out of a 10% of the entire desktop ecosystem). The mechanism for installing stuff isn't as batshit insane as windows (where to "make it easier", any old shit can cause a program to install) and Linux distributions come with almost ALL programs needed for the eponymous Aunt Tilly: write letters, browse internet, write emails, show pictures of children, play music and Solitaire. No need to administrate ANYTHING.

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