Microsoft vs Foss Essays

Microsoft vs Foss Essays Microsoft vs Foss Essay Microsoft vs Foss Essay Microsoft’s Foss Patent Infringement Holly Stark ITT Technical IT 302 Abstract This paper takes an in depth look at the claims from Microsoft that FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) committed patent infringement in 2006. It also discusses how the events have impacted FOSS, whether negatively or positively and how the actions have changed both since 2006. Microsoft’s Foss Patent Infringement Free software is wonderful and corporate America seems to love it. Its often high-quality stuff that can be downloaded free off the Internet and then copied at will. Its versatile it can be customized to perform almost any large-scale computing task and best of all its crash-resistant. More than half the companies in the Fortune 500 are thought to be using the free operating system Linux in their data centers. In 2006, Microsoft cast a shadow over Free and Open Source Software by alleging that they had violated 235 patents such as the Linux kernel, Samba, OpenOffice. org and others. Foss’s legal representative Eben Moglen contended that software is a mathematical algorithm and, as such, not patentable. Parloff, R. 2007) But what of Microsoft’s claims? Are they valid? But first to answer that you need to understand what a patent really is. A patent is essentially a limited monopoly whereby the patent holder is granted the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the patented innovation for a limited period of time. Granting exclusive rights to the inventor is intended to encourage the investment of time and resources into the develop ment of new and useful discoveries. Once the term of protection has ended, the patented innovation enters the public domain. The problem of the patentability of software has become one of the most debated issues with regards to open source software. The Supreme Court stated in a unanimous opinion that patents have been issued too readily for the past two decades, and lots are probably invalid. For a variety of technical reasons, many dispassionate observers suspect that software patents are especially vulnerable to court challenge. This ruling works in FOSS’s favor. Patents can be invalidated in court on numerous grounds; others can easily be invented around. Still others might be valid, yet not infringed under the particular circumstances. FOSS has some well known patrons working in its corner as well. In 2005, six of them IBM (Charts, Fortune 500), Sony, Philips, Novell, Red Hat (Charts) and NEC set up the Open Invention Network (OIN) to acquire a portfolio of patents that might pose problems for companies like Microsoft, which are known to pose a patent threat to Linux. So if Microsoft ever sue d Linux distributor Red Hat for patent infringement, for instance, OIN might sue Microsoft in retaliation, trying to enjoin distribution of Windows. Parloff, R. 2007) A preliminary legal analysis of FOSS licenses conducted seems to suggest that the novel licensing model used by FOSS is legally valid, a fact that lends substantial credit to the movement. Other indications as to the soundness of the licenses are also encouraging; a ruling in Germany that has recognized the validity of the General Public License (GPL) ( J. Hoppner,2004), which further serves to stress that FOSS is a global phenomenon that is revolutionizing the entire field of software development. Microsoft realized that something had to change when it comes to patents. They basically had three choices. They could do nothing, it could start suing other companies to stop them from using its patents, or, they could begin licensing its patents to other companies in exchange for either royalties or access to their patents (a cross-licensing deal). They chose to do the latter. In December 2003, Microsofts new licensing unit opened for business, and soon the company had signed cross-licensing pacts with such tech firms as Sun, Toshiba, SAP and Siemens. On November 2, 2006, Microsoft went public and announced a partnership with Novell to collaborate to help Microsofts Windows, a proprietary operating system, work with Novells Suse Linux, which is based on open-source code. In addition, the software makers struck a deal on patents designed to give customers peace of mind about using Novells open-source products. This partnership made Novell the only company in the industry that was able to provide the customer not only with the code to run Linux, but also with a patent covenant from Microsoft. Evers, Joris 2006) Some thought that it showed that Microsoft was kind of being forced to see Linux as a significant competitor and the FOSS model as a viable business model. (Upfold, Peter 2006) My personal opinion is that this was an attack on the open source community. Microsoft hasn’t actually changed its tune; it’s still actively attacking free software and trying to abolish GNU/Linux while promoting Windows and other proprie tary software as though they are complementary to free software, which they are not. It’s PR nonsense and Microsoft is good at PR. Since then, Novell was sold in 2010 to Attachmate Corp. and a concurrent sale of certain intellectual property assets was sold to CPTN Holdings LLC, a consortium of technology companies organized by Microsoft Corporation. It plays right into the hands of Microsoft’s PR campaign, which strives for a fusion where Microsoft controls both sides of the competition and then derails the side which is less favorable to Microsoft. Microsoft has done that over and over again for many years and victims include giants like IBM and Apple. While FOSS licenses generally protect end user freedom in the realm of copyright, they have no effective protection against threats from software patents, especially from entities outside the FOSS community. In responding to the threat from software patent holders, the FOSS community has created innovative licensing schemes. ( Davidson, S. J 2006) Permissive licenses, such as the Apache licenses, have different patent rights clauses from reciprocal licenses, such as the MPL and GPL. In dealing with potential patent claims, GPL 2. has a â€Å"Freedom or Death† termination clause – â€Å"any patent must be licensed for everyones free use or not licensed at all. † GPL 2. 0 does not allow the development of software that requires any kind of license payments for third party patents. (Hacker. J. n. d. ) GPL 3. 0 was drafted to cope with global software patent threats and to provide compatibility with more non-GPL FOSS licenses. The current GPL draft 3. 0 keeps GPL 2. 0’s copyleft feature and includes new provisions addressing evolving computing issues, such as patent issues, free software license compatibility, and digital rights management (â€Å"DRM†). McMillan, R 2007) As of today, Microsoft is still attacking free software with two types of tactics. The tactics largely include litigation and the use of so-called Fear-Uncertainty-Doubt (FUD) tactics designed to undermine the popular perception of the open source philosophy. This year alone they have won several cases either outright, in appeal or countersuits against Motorola’s Android features. The rest of the FOSS community seems to be on edge and waiting to see what happens next.

What are the key issues facing Public Service Broadcasting in the UK Essay

What are the key issues facing Public Service Broadcasting in the UK - Essay Example â€Å"Neither commercial nor state controlled, public broadcasting’s only raison d’à ªtre is public service. It is the public broadcasting organisation...[that] develop knowledge, broaden horizons and enable people to better understand themselves by better understanding the world and others† (World Radio and Television Council, 2002). At present in this highly technological and globalised world, the system of public service broadcasting is facing â€Å"declining budgets, audience fragmentation, and debate over their proper role† (Collins, et al., 2001). In the present context, on examination we will find that the PBS in UK is facing serious challenges from the issue of substantial downgrading of support from the public funds, and the entry of competitors along with new advanced technology into the world of media and communication. We will examine these very issues and explore various subjects to find out logical and workable solutions to these imminent problems, which threat the very existence of modern day UK PBS. In UK by the regulations of the Ofcom it is mandatory for BBC to have public service addresses, for all its television and radio stations, including the ones that have digital transmission. Besides these, other stations that transmit through the terrestrial analogue television like ITV and Channel 4 whose programs are transmitted to all of UK, that includes Scotland, Northern Ireland, England; FIVE and also SC4 in Wales, are bound to transmit programs that fall under the category of public service broadcasting, since these free to air channels are available to all citizens in UK. Under the Community Radio Order 2004, it is also mandatory for the 200 community Radio services to play the role of public service providers; the only exemption in this case are the commercial radios, which are allowed to transmit nominal or

The good and bad of standards based on innovations Essay

The good and bad of standards based on innovations - Essay Example First, standards refer to the documented agreements, which comprise of technical guidelines that make sure processes, products, materials, and services are produced up to par or are fit for presentation. On the other hand, innovation can be described as an introduction to a new method, approach or concept to a product/enterprise to bring about exclusivity in function, behavior or form. It should be understood that innovation and standards are somehow interrelated, whereby a standardized model, will ensure innovation is quickly achieved. By introducing standards on innovations, an organization or a firm will have formed a basis for the introduction of new innovations, and also move a notch higher to ensure the components of the new innovation are mutually compatible. Moreover, standards are critical on innovation, because it is an avenue of having a mutual understanding in an organization, and can be used as a tool to facilitate measurement, communication, manufacturing and commerce. The good aspect of standards is what has made it to be everywhere and also play an important role in the economy. For instance, allowing firms to comply with relevant laws and regulations, offering interoperability between new and existing processes, services, and product. However, while standards are critical to the success of innovation, it also has its shortcomings if enough care is not put in place. For instance, when standards are used in isolation, it cannot be the best tool to provide evidence for performance, hence providing a leeway for discrepancies. (Gann, & Salter, 2000, pp. 955-972) As observed from the aforementioned ideas, standards based on innovation can be very beneficial to an organization, through providing a framework for new innovations. Although, for quite some time now, some organizations have always got it wrong when it comes to thinking about innovation and standards. Some organizations

The Monkeys Paw Essay Example for Free

The Monkeys Paw Essay What is that sound? she said. Herbert! she was screaming. As the knocking grew louder, the more she screamed. It is a rat honey. I said. No hope, she just kept screaming. As she headed down the stairs, I pictured my son all destroyed. I could not bear to see him that way. I loved my son more than anything but if it meant to bring him back all torn up and tortured, then I would rather him be dead. If it is one thing that I learned from the monkeys paw is that in order to gain your wish you first lose something you love more than anything. Nothing, not even money is worth losing family over. I had to stop my wife before it is too late. I grabbed the monkeys paw and headed downstairs after my wife. I watched desperately as my wife turned the door knob to reveal the figure I only knew so well standing there. I felt tears coming down my face as I realized that figure was my son. My son Herbert was standing at my doorway. Only something was very different. I knew something was off. He was perfectly healthy and in perfect condition. He was not moving. He just stood at the doorway staring. I could tell he was in pain. He was weak. I knew he was not meant to be here. It was as if he sent me some kind of telepathic message telling me it is time to move on. It just was not meant to be that he should be brought back to life. I grabbed the monkeys paw and once and for all made my last wish. I watched as my wifes relieved face turned pale as she watched Herbert disappear into thin air. I knew from then on that nothing would ever be the same again. It is unbelievable how a monkeys paw could ruin someones life. Before it came into my life, everything and everyone were perfectly fine, no matter what we thought. I could hardly bear watch my wife drop to the floor and scream. I wish that my wife would never have to experience this. My wifes pain in itself kills me. As I lay in my bed trying desperately to fall asleep, I started to think about how much I really had and never appreciated it. I never needed two hundred pounds. My life was perfect. Nothing needed to change. If I had one true wish it would be that people should have the ability to appreciate what they have before it is too late. It does not have to be that something bad has to happen for people to realize that everything they have is enough and just because someone else has something they do not have it does not mean they need to have it too. I was woken up the next day by the smell of my wifes cooking. This has to be the way she is coping because she has not cooked anything since Herbert died. As I walking down the stairs I heard a familiar voice. It cant be. I ran as fast I could into the kitchen. Herbert? I said as my eyes started to fill with tears. Hi father, did you sleep well? he said. I went up to him and gave him the biggest hug I have ever given anyone. Oh Herbert, it was a dream. It was dream. Everything is going to be okay. I cant even begin to think of a time that I was so grateful for dreams. Umm okay. he said. Oh Herbert, I only wish you wouldyou know what? Never mind. You and your mother being alive, well and here is all I could ever wish for. As I let my hold on him go, I noticed my son and wifes confused faces. I did not care. All I cared about was that my wife and son were here. They will always be here

Pagan and Christian Elements in Beowulf Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essay

Pagan and Christian Elements in Beowulf  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   The praised epic poem, Beowulf, is the first great heroic poem in English literature. The epic follows a courageous warrior named Beowulf throughout his young, adult life and into his old age. As a young man, Beowulf becomes a legendary hero when he saves the land of the Danes from the hellish creatures, Grendel and his mother. Later, after fifty years pass, Beowulf is an old man and a great king of the Geats. A monstrous dragon soon invades his peaceful kingdom and he defends his people courageously, dying in the process. His body is burned and his ashes are placed in a cave by the sea. By placing his ashes in the seaside cave, people passing by will always remember the legendary hero and king, Beowulf.   In this recognized epic, Beowulf, is abound in supernatural elements of pagan associations; however, the poem is the opposite of pagan barbarism. The presentation of the story telling moves fluidly within Christian surroundings as well as pagan ideals. Beowulf was a recited pagan folklore where the people of that time period believed in gods, goddesses, and monsters. It's significance lies in an oral history where people memorized long, dense lines of tedious verse. Later, when a written tradition was introduced they began to write the story down on tablets. The old tale was not first told or invented by the commonly known, Beowulf poet. This is clear from investigations of the folk lore analogues. The manuscript was written by two scribes around AD 1000 in late West Saxon, the literary dialect of that period. It is believed that the scribes who put the old materials together into their present form were Christians and that his poem reflects a Christian tradition.... ...e epic is the hero's fame, a monument as enduring as earth. Works Cited Primary Source Kermode, Frank, and John Hollander, et al. Beowulf. The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: Vol 1. New York: Oxford UP, 1973. 29-98. Secondary Sources Chickering, Howell D, Jr. Beowulf: A Dual-Language Edition. New York: Anchor, 1977. Clark, George. Beowulf. New York: Twayne, 1990. Holland-Crossley, Kevin, and Bruce Mitchell. Beowulf. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. Poupard, Dennis, and Jelena O. Krstonc, ed. Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism: Volume 1. Michigan: Gale Research, 1988. Morris, Richard, ed. Blickling Homilies: Sermon 17 of the Tenth Century, Old Series, no. 73. London: EETS, 1880. 209-11. Tuso, Joseph F, ed. Beowulf: The Donaldson Translation Backgrounds and Sources Criticism. New York: W.W. Norton, 1975.   

Single Sex Classrooms

Single sex classrooms create opportunities that do not really exist in a coed classroom for students. Teachers can create learning strategies in all girl classrooms, and in all boy classrooms, which do not work as well in coed classrooms. Many public schools are beginning to adopt the single sex classroom ideas and seeing dramatic improvement with grades and test scores. The strongest proof yet, that separating boys and girls works, is the drastic improvement in grades for both sexes. But to simply place girls in a classroom and boys in another classroom is not going to work.Teachers should have special training for practical gender-specific classroom strategies and learn the best practices for these gender-separate classrooms. In the book â€Å"Gender and Education† the authors Barbara Banks, Sara Delamont, and Catherine Marshall specifically state: â€Å"Teacher interactions with students are at the heart of the hidden curriculum and are important means by which informal le ssons about gender are transmitted in schools† (Banks571). Single sex classrooms simply create more opportunities and a better learning environment for our children that coed classrooms do not create.Girls in all girl classrooms and boys in all boy classrooms are more likely to study subjects that they would not necessarily choose if the class was coed. It also expands ideas of educational opportunities and core values for both boys and girls, and the classes generate custom created learning strategies and instructions to better learning. Girls in all girl classrooms and boys in all boy classrooms are more likely to study subjects that they wouldn’t necessarily choose if the class was coeducational, in my opinion. Single sex classrooms bring a broader horizon for our students more so than coeducational classrooms.Kenneth Jost the author of Single Sex Education quotes in his book â€Å"Sex segregation and discrimination persists in high school programs around the countr y, 30 years after Congress passed a law barring such discrimination in education† (Jost1). Single sex education advocates say the solution is quite easy just let boys be boys and girls be girls. Leonard Sax states in his book â€Å"Boys Adrift† that â€Å"the solution is to let boys and girls attend separate classes, so that you can take advantage of the ‘sex differences’ in learning styles†(Sax,174).You breakdown stereotypes by letting the sexes be separate. When you put boys and girls together, it just increases the gender roles. The boys do things that are thought of as typical for boys, and girls do things that are thought of as typical for girls. You do not see many girls wanting to take classes such as welding class, building workshop, weight room, architect design, and sports education. There definitely would not be many boys wanting to take classes such as drama, art, home economics, sewing class, and foreign languages.So if you eliminate the gender bias and the need to impress the opposite sex, you would possibly begin to see boys' willingness to engage in what would be considered â€Å"feminine activities,† such as choir or drama club. Girls’ willingness to engage in â€Å"manly activities†, such as welding and building workshops, and pro-dominantly male sports may increase also. Single sex classrooms expand ideas, educational opportunities, and core values for both sexes. Leonard Sax states in his book â€Å"Boys Adrift†, â€Å"A boy does not naturally become a gentleman-by whom I mean, a man who is courteous, kind, and unselfish.That behavior is not hardwired. It has to be taught† (Sax163). Most boy schools make a point of teaching boys to be gentlemen, to have self-discipline, and how to be a leader. This may be more important to learn than their actual school work. â€Å"Teenage boys without strong leadership can easily become barbarians† (Sax165). Sax was correct when he stated this, and this is exactly what is wrong with our male population today. This is why I feel so strongly about these single sex teaching atmospheres.In coed schools, boys tend to adopt a masculine attitude because girls are there. They feel they have to demonstrate their masculinity by gross macho over-reaction. Boys in single-sex schools become more sensitive men, and they are more polite. All girl schools focus entirely on girls, to improve their learning and self-esteem. It also motivates girls to try and reach goals, that they normally may find unattainable, because it is a â€Å"guy thing†. If there are no guys around, there is nothing to hold them back.Single sex education helps girls overcome the male sexism that still exist in public schools, and girls are at center stage at all girl schools with only girls in the audience. Educational opportunities such as less sex bias in teacher-student interactions. Reducing sex differences in curricula and more successful ro le models for girls. Girls at single sex schools are more likely to take nontraditional classes such as physics and advanced math because they have the opportunity to excel in them.This is mostly related to smaller classes and there being no gender bias. Also, it installs values such as, to work for and achieve excellent grades, create greater self-esteem, good character development, responsibility, and leadership. â€Å"Girls receive less teacher attention than boys, feel less comfortable speaking out in class, and face threats of sexual harassment in school†(Barbara1), as Santa Barbara states in her article. If that is true, why would you not want your child in single sex classrooms, so they could learn without fear or embarrassment?The single sex organizational arrangement spared students the interruptions and distractive aspects that are normally in coeducational classrooms. If these classes are offered, maybe girls would focus more on their studies and grades, instead of their looks and clothing. Not having to worry or be afraid of harassment from boys. Also by separating the classes, the overall population would decrease, giving students smaller learning environments. Other opportunities that come from these classes are lessons that students relate to and want to learn.No girl wants to read a science fiction book, and no boy wants to read a love story. This causes teachers to have a tough time finding lessons to teach the class that both genders can relate to. But with single gender classes the teachers’ lesson can be more suitable for each gender. This makes learning experience more interesting and fun. Giving students more educational opportunities. Single Sex classrooms generate custom created learning strategies and instructions to better student learning. Teachers have to customize what they do, to the needs and abilities of each individual student.In single-sex schools, teachers are free to choose materials that fit the interests of t heir students. In coed schools, the females are often held back or held down to the abilities and interests of the males. Teachers should have special training for practical gender-specific classroom strategies and learn the best practices for the gender-separate classroom. Boys perceive the coed school as an institution run largely by women, and run largely according to women's rules: (examples: â€Å" sit still†, â€Å"don't make too much noise†, â€Å"don't be disruptive†, etc. ).They see that the majority of the top students are girls, and the â€Å"teacher's pet† is either a female or a geek. So, many boys may devalue academic excellence. If you're a male at a coed school, being an â€Å"A† student does not raise your status with other guys. At many coed schools, being an â€Å"A† student may actually lower your status with other boys. Girls and boys that attend same sex schools tend to have higher test scores and high grades in general , rather than their counterparts that go to coeducational schools. Boys' and girls' brains develop differently.These differences are especially significant for learning in the early years. Then, as they get older, girls and boys distract each other from academics because of normal social and sexual development. The needs of each sex are completely opposite therefor the emphasis of a school for boys should not be required to be the same as a school for girls. These classes and schools also benefit kids with learning disabilities. It gives them more time with a teacher and less distractions. Also, teachers are able to create lesson plans that help focus their attention on what they need to be learning.Statistics show that girls excel in reading and writing while boys excel more so in science and math. With single gender classrooms boys could excel in English because teachers could give them topics to write about that interest them. Unlike the topic the teacher would have to pick to go with a coeducational class. Boys could write about gladiators or soldiers, and the teacher not discourage them. But encourage them to become more detailed, even if it is not sweet or nice, because there are no girls in the class to compare it to.The issue to often is boys think writing stories is for girls and geeks. Real boys play games and sports. That is the message which many coed schools today are unintentionally giving to males. Teachers in all-boys schools can send a different message. â€Å"Girls are more likely to be excessively critical in evaluating their own academic performance. Conversely, boys tend to have unrealistically high estimates of their own academic abilities and accomplishments† (Pomerantz396). So with that statement I think teachers who teach single gender classes should focus on promoting girls to believe in themselves.These teachers should help boys to really focus on their academics, rather than let them think unrealistically and challenge them t o do better. Psychologists have found fundamental differences in what motivates females, compared to males. â€Å"Researchers have consistently found that girls are more concerned than boys are with pleasing adults, such as parents and teachers. Most boys, on the other hand, will be less motivated to study, unless the material itself interest them† (Pomerantz, Altermatt, & Saxon, 2002, p. 397). Boys and girls experience different academic difficulties.Therefore, maybe the best thing to do is separate the genders and have teachers who are qualified in teaching single gender classrooms teach them. Single sex classes and schools strive to help improve students’ achievement. Single sex schools are no longer limited to providing an alternative educational route for girls. Today, boys also need this type of school environment, in order to learn effectively and be productive young men. Single sex classes and schools can help bring about greater race and social-class equality. This has become the final frontier in creating true equality of educational opportunity for all. Studies have shown when public schools have tried the single gender classrooms the results are: a decrease in disciplinary problems, higher scores on standardized test, and over all educational achievement. The benefits of single-sex schools are not only just academics. Single-sex education has been shown to expand the students' outlook on life. Allowing freedom to explore one’s own strengths and interests in life. With no fear of gender stereotypes holding them back.

Molar Enthalpy of Fusion Definition

Molar enthalpy of fusion is the amount of energy needed to change one mole of a substance from the solid phase to the liquid phase at constant temperature and pressure. It is also known as the molar heat of fusion or latent heat of fusion. Molar enthalpy of fusion is expressed in units of kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol). Finding Molar Enthalpy of Fusion One method of finding molar enthalpy of fusion is experimentally using a calorimeter. The other method is to consult a table of the molar enthalpies of selected substances. A table usually includes the molar enthalpies of vaporization and fusion. Usually the pressure is 1 atm (101.325), unless otherwise stated.