August 29, 2005
WinFS beta 1 released to MSDN network
Looks like Microsoft FINALLY got around to releasing WinFS, the supposedly revolutionary filesystem that was supposed to be released with Windows Vista (Longhorn) and one of the only remaining things that actually kept people like myself slightly in Microsoft's favor even though their operating systems have been pretty lousy in my opinion. Well, after they pulled it from Vista, it was all over for that OS.
Now they've gone and went beta with this WinFS. While I would probably venture to test it, I would never stick this on a production machine unlike a beta filesystem for Linux such as ReiserFS 4. There are just certain things that Microsoft does not do well ever, and one of them seems to be releasing great products in a timely fashion.
Posted by darkmoon at 10:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 22, 2005
Microsoft says that CAN-SPAM works. WHA?
Microsoft in another strange stupifying publicity stunt, warns New Zealanders against their new anti-spam legislation. Reason? It could interfere with "the amazing vehicle of email marketing." Upon their own accord, they go on to say that CAN-SPAM actually deters spammers.
Who the hell are they kidding? Obviously they haven't been looking at their spam filters lately or the ROKSO list. Strike it up for another brilliant management type that spoke about things he obviously has NO clue about.
Via Slashdot
Posted by darkmoon at 07:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 13, 2005
How to stop MSN.com's right click oppression on FireFox
Microsoft has decided to make it so that you cannot right click on the MSN.com site if you're using FireFox. Here's how to beat it.
Liberis:
Too bad for microsoft that their childish behavior can be stopped quite easily. If you have the adblock extension (and who hasn't?), do the following:
go to msn.com
open adblock
block the script http://hp.msn.com/scr/home/msnmoz1021.js
problem solved.
The only thing that script seems to do (it's been made hard to read) is mess with the mouse events, and only for mozilla browsers. The fact it has a really obvious name (msnmoz) just shows how stupid microsoft is.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 07, 2005
MS Antispyware downgraded for spyware corporation
Microsoft has downgraded Claria's Gator spyware in their own anti-spyware blocker. The techworld is contemplating the rumor that Microsoft is on its way to acquiring Claria.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 30, 2005
Turn a USB thumb drive into a bootable device
HP has this neat little utility that will turn their own DiskonKey and HP DriveKey into a bootable device (DOS). It requires a MSDOS boot disk to copy the files over but it apparently works on other thumb drives as well.
Get the utility here.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 15, 2005
More critical MSIE flaws uncovered
Security firm eEye has uncovered some critical flaws in MSIE, Outlook and various other Microsoft products that allows remote code execution. The firm has flagged the vulnerability with a high rating.
Straight from eEye:
A vulnerability in default installations of the affected software allows malicious code to be executed, contingent upon minimal user interaction.
With the latest flack that Mozilla has been taking for security bugs, even with quick turnarounds for version 1.0.4, leaving Microsoft in a bind. Their next security bulletin is due on June 14th, which leaves a wide window of opportunity for exploitation.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 04, 2005
9 Year Old is Microsoft Certified Professional
You want to be scared? A Pakistani 9 year old, Karim Randhawa, who speaks better English than most American adults also has a MCP certification. She scared Scrivs of Forevergeek, and she scares me.
Microsoft has changed the way people think about computers. Microsoft has laid down the foundations for next-generation computing and is the founder in terms of providing user-friendly software--thereby increasing the number of novice users. I like the way Microsoft participates in other-than-mainstream activities, such as academic research, charities, scholarships and connecting the disconnected by providing technology support to underserved people. Microsoft develops a lot of software that allows people to realize their potential. This is exactly what my experience is with Microsoft. I have a passion for software, and Microsoft provides me a true platform.
ForeverGeek < MicrosoftPress (Google cached)
Posted by darkmoon at 11:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 02, 2005
Microsoft tries to get bloggers to hype Longhorn
Nominations for Team99 has begun. Team99 is an orchestrated event that even Robert Scoble helping push to the blogosphere. Team99 will be the Microsoft's voice to promote Longhorn and become the authorities on the new operating system. While this blogging evangelism seems to be a way for Microsoft to tap the blogosphere for help, the latest Longhorn peek by bloggers at the WinHEC conference was handled very poorly by the Redmond based software giant. Not only were the screenshots of Longhorn pulled after citing a beta agreement, but the handling of the situation caused bloggers all around to criticize the issue. Great way to start off on the wrong foot.
Posted by darkmoon at 04:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 21, 2005
Microsoft pulls gay rights support
After ten years of support, Microsoft has secretly pulled their support from the GLBT community. Out of nowhere, Microsoft pulled their support for a gay rights bill in Washington State after a religious leader headlined a complaint by a local newspaper, The Stranger.
Personal note: Growing up in Seattle, I know that The Stranger, is what is the equivalent to
The Rhino Timesin Greensboro with some more than interesting classified ads. Why Microsoft would pull their support and change their views after ten years of support due to one pastor's comments in a gossip paper is beyond me. But hey, what do I know, I only grew up there.
Posted by darkmoon at 05:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 18, 2005
Microsoft claims beta software is good enough for production
Microsoft claims that their beta software is good enough for production use and is beginning to license parts of their software such as Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005.
Personal note: Great, more blue screen of death before it's "ready". They need to figure out how to get rid of their buggy crashes before they release licensing. Bad move. Oh well... so much the better for the open-source community.
Posted by darkmoon at 08:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 08, 2005
Microsoft writes Open Source Child Porn Buster... so where is it?
Microsoft Canada has written a supposedly open-source software that is called Child Exploitation Tracking System. This system is to help authorities track down the baddies perpetuating child pornography.
Personal note: All great and good, but a quick search for CETS on Microsoft Canada revealed nothing. Open source? Hello? That means available for download, with source code. Talk about trying to play off the marketing term without anything to show.
Posted by darkmoon at 09:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 28, 2005
Professor finds fault with Microsoft grammar checker
A professor at the University of Washington has submitted some findings to the Redmond based software giant, in an effort to improve the grammar checker.
Personal note: Anyone that bases their sole grammar skills on Microsoft's grammar checker has another thing coming. Personal experience dictates that Microsoft has issues with simple subject-verb agreements.
Posted by darkmoon at 04:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 26, 2005
Microsoft funded study that said Windows more secure than Linux
Big surprise? Not really.
Two researchers, from the Florida Institute of Technology and Boston-based Security Innovation Inc., 'surprised the audience at a computer-security convention last month with their finding that a version of Microsoft Windows was more secure than a competing Linux operating system.
Posted by darkmoon at 02:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Microsoft "helps" you pick a MP3 player
In another attempt to drive MP3 player sales and the legal downloadable music industry away from Apple, Microsoft has launched a website called Six Tips for Buying an MP3 Player with Flash Memory.
1. Understand the basics.
2. Make sure you're getting all the goodies.
3. You'll want a display.
4. Let a professional make your next playlist.
5. Pick the right size for you.
6. Don't get locked into one online store.
The sixth section is the most amusing one.
Have you ever been on the hunt for a particular song? Some obscure indie rock tune or rare jazz performance you heard on the radio? You might have to shop at more than one store before you find the song you're looking for.
Personal note: What I find funny. Indie music usually tries to promote themselves by allowing downloads of certain tracks. SXSW 2005 was a great example of independents trying to make a name for themselves via MP3. That and the fact that Apple's iTunes allows MP3 file additions probably throws everything that MS is trying to do out the window.
Posted by darkmoon at 05:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 24, 2005
IE unsafe for 98% of 2004
"Global security consultancy ScanIT shows Microsoft's Internet Explorer was "unsafe" for 98% of 2004, while rival browser Mozilla was "unsafe" for only 15%... "
Also amusing is the fact that security experts are more likely to report the bugs to Mozilla because of better public disclosures of vulnerabilities and better attitudes towards security researchers. Surely the $500 per critical bug (Mozilla Bug Bounty) program helps a little also.
Posted by darkmoon at 05:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 18, 2005
Microsoft fails to comply with EU protocols
Microsoft failing to comply with the EU to open up Windows protocols. Trying to skirt the legality, Microsoft offered up a license scheme that had a monstrous fee attached. The European Commission rejected Microsoft's offer and has said:
Microsoft now has the opportunity to get back to us to explain their point of view and if we're still not happy we can adopt a decision fining them 5 percent of their global turnover each day that they are not compliant. Of course we hope it won't come to that.
That's a whopping five million a day.
Posted by darkmoon at 01:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 16, 2005
Microsoft's AdCenter: Adwords look out, MS is coming to play
Ballmer shows a prototype ad revenue scheme that is similar to Google's AdWords. The new tool will probably go commercial at the end of this year, or beginning of next. There is already a couple new features that are wowing the crowds including a trend graph of the age groups that search for specific terms.
Tailoring the audience is the key to these search engine advertisements. Will Microsoft be able to face-off with Google? Only time will tell.
BattelleMedia < SeattlePI < SEW
Posted by darkmoon at 04:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 13, 2005
Thousands of websites still on NT4
Thousands of websites are still being hosted on Microsoft NT4, a huge security risk being that Microsoft has retired the operating system back in December of 2004 and has been out of the patch loop when it comes to SMB (Server Message Block) exploits.
Microsoft addressed the SMB exploit in the Februrary 2005 security update.
Via Netcraft
Personal note: Move to linux. Free, stable, and security exploit turn-arounds are almost twenty four hours maximum. What more can you ask for.
Posted by darkmoon at 10:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 11, 2005
Voiceprint backup to password resets?
Microsoft has come up with another clever idea. Voiceprints to reset passwords. This is using biometrics that would definitely prove to be useful.
Bruce Schneier:
But the real beauty of this system is that it doesn't require a customer support person to deal with the user. I've seen statistics showing that 25% of all help desk calls are by people who forget their password, they cost something like $20 a call, and they take an average of 10 minutes. A system like this provides good security and saves money.
Via Schneier
Personal note: My question is, what stops someone from using a recording? In cellular technology, a generic model of a voice print is used, and when a person speaks, that voice print is modulated in a digital format. There is nothing to say that a person couldn't get the modulation patterns from recording a person's speech and then use a generic voice print to do the play-back. That would give practically identical speech patterns.
Posted by darkmoon at 03:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 08, 2005
U.S. Justice Department chooses Corel over Microsoft
Could Microsoft be losing their grip on the government? The Department of Justice has chosen Corel for the next five years to provide business software to certain divisions of their department. The deal is worth up to $13.2 million to Corel.
Back in the day, Wordperfect was Goliath and Microsoft held David. In the current age, the positions have switched. Perhaps it's almost time for another changing of the guard.
Via Slashdot
Posted by darkmoon at 12:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 05, 2005
WinFS isn't dead? So why upgrade to Longhorn?
Contrary to previous reports that Microsoft was pulling WinFS, their new successor to NTFS, now reports are that Microsoft is going to release WinFS to developers and customers. They are also back-porting the technology to WinXP and Windows Server 2003, which is one of the few reasons Microsoft customers were excited to upgrade to Longhorn.
So the question is, what is there in Longhorn that will compel Microsoft junkies to upgrade?
Posted by darkmoon at 01:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 25, 2005
Microsoft targeting WINE with WGA
Microsoft's latest target is WINE. With the Windows Genuine Advantage, they are targeting the one way that Linux users have been accessing Microsoft products without using the operating system.
Codeweaver's president, Jeremy White:
"The reason we love this is because this shows that Microsoft is aware of Wine at very high levels," said White. "For us it's exciting -- it is an acknowledgement of us as a threat."
Personal note: Hah. Microsoft is scared of Wine of all things. Must actually be cutting into their profit margin. Again, open-source shows that it can make a difference in the world and proprietary software corporations are scared.
Posted by darkmoon at 01:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 16, 2005
Microsoft Antispyware for Free
Microsoft's Antispyware is now going to be offered for free, according to the man himself, Bill Gates, at the latest RSA Security conference.
We have spoken about Microsoft's latest acquisition of GIANT here and how it violated EULA here.
Word of advice: this requires a validation of your Windows so if you were bad and do not have a legit copy of Windows, do not attempt to download this software.
Via Slashdot
Posted by darkmoon at 05:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Microsoft's Ghostbuster
Schneier on Security:
Here's how it works: The user has the GhostBuster program on a CD. He sticks the CD in the drive, and from within the (possibly corrupted) OS, the checker program runs: stopping all other user programs, flushing the caches, and then doing a complete checksum of all files on the disk and a scan of any registry keys that could autostart the system, writing out the results to a file on the hard drive.Then the user is instructed to press the reset button, the CD boots its own OS, and the scan is repeated. Any differences indicate a rootkit or other stealth software, without the need for knowing what particular rootkits are or the proper checksums for the programs installed on disk.
Simple. Clever. Elegant.
Posted by darkmoon at 07:42 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 11, 2005
Microsoft security chief says Windows is more secure than Linux
Mike Nash claims that Microsoft Windows Server 2003 has only had to endure a total of fifteen patches last year, which was better than RedHat and SUSE. Obviously he misses the point. Microsoft usually takes their sweet time with patches. Linux usually has a twenty-four hour turn around on security exploits. So perhaps you only had fifteen patches, Mr. Nash, but how many holes are there left to be exploited in your product? Many more than I care to count.
Via Slashdot
Posted by darkmoon at 12:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 08, 2005
Longhorn beta scheduled for beginning of summer
Microsoft's Longhorn has been talked out that it is almost an urban legend. Definitely WinFS has gone the way of urban legends. The graphics engine, Avalon, will still be at the core of Longhorn. MSDN users will have to wait a bit longer to try it out.
Via ArsTechnica
Posted by darkmoon at 01:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 02, 2005
Microsoft is loving the iPod
According to Wired's sources, approximately 80% of Microsoft employees own an iPod. Apple's iPod current commands 65% of the portable player market.
For example, an internal e-mail circular sent to several senior managers in mid-December talked about iPod shipments to Apple's nearby store in Bellevue.The e-mail said: "FWIW, the gal at the Bellevue Square Apple Store said that they are getting in two shipments of 200 iPods every day to keep up with this week's demand, and are nearly constantly selling out."
The note prompted a curt reply from Dave Fester, general manager of the Windows Digital Media division, who wrote the group: "I sure hope Microsoft employees are not buying iPods. We have great alternatives. Check out http://experiencemore."
Fifteen minutes later, the manager responded: "I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sure that Microsoft employees are not buying iPods, or Macs or PlayStations."
Ahh... Apple has infiltrated the ranks of the Microsoft. Dissension ensues. Amusing.
Via Wired, Engadget, Slashdot, ForeverGeek
Posted by darkmoon at 01:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 30, 2005
Microsoft Windows SP2 subject to memory attacks
Microsoft Windows Service Pack 2. Definitely one service pack that you should never install. If you do, be forewarned.
It was discovered by MaxPatrol team that it is possible to defeat Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP SP2 Heap protection and Data Execution Prevention mechanism. As a result it is possible to implement:* Arbitrary memory region write access (smaller or equal to 1016 bytes) Arbitrary code execution
* DEP bypass.
Posted by darkmoon at 09:28 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 29, 2005
"You show me a secure MS OS and I will show you a flying pig."
Amusing article on Lockergnome. A senior Microsoft executive [Nick McGrath] in the UK claims that there is no security in linux and that it is a myth. Lockergnome responds with words that even I would tear over:
You show me a secure MS OS and I will show you a flying pig. Windows compatibility; yes. Windows security; give me a break
Thank you Lockergnome for my first techie laugh all morning.
Posted by darkmoon at 10:23 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 15, 2005
Black Viper series: Windows XP Super Tweaks
In the last of the Black Viper series, Black Viper here shows the Windows XP super tweaks. These tweaks are probably recommended for a better system configuration and help protect your systems and make them run more efficiently. Note to read all of the information since there are some tweaks that depend on others.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 14, 2005
Black Viper series: Windows services
There are plenty of services in Windows NT (NT4, 2000, XP) based systems that you can turn off and increase your system resources. Black Viper developed some guides for service configurations (2000 and XP). He has also given safe configurations, power configurations, and default. He goes on to describe the services in case you need to know they are for.
Useful for tweaking your system to work for you.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 13, 2005
Black Viper series: Operating System Guides
Black Viper wrote some installation guides that are very good. If you're looking to install:
Red Hat 8.0
Windows 2000 Professional and Server
Windows 2003 Enterprise Server
Windows Me
Windows XP Home
Windows XP Professional
Take a look here. You won't be disappointed!
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 12, 2005
Microsoft and their Malicious Software removal tool
In light of last week's beta release of their Anti-spyware, Microsoft has released the Malicious Software Removal Tool. Only for Windows 2000, 2003, and XP. You must be logged in with an account that is part of the Administrator group.
Also: THIS HAS TO BE RAN IN INTERNET EXPLORER. Yes, it's a stupid activeX plugin. So close your FireFox, pray a lot, and hope that while you're running this, you're not opening up a whole new can of worms.
Slashdotted here.
Personal note: It's too bad that it doesn't remove Windows altogether. I happen to find Windows malicious software *laugh*.
Posted by darkmoon at 08:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Black Viper series: Getting strange popup messages?
Here is one of my favorite sites to speed up your Windows computer. Black Viper has a lot of good things that I recommend you to take a look at. In the tips and tricks that I post in the next few days, there will be some other things that I take a look at when speeding up a Windows based computer.
Getting strange popup messages? Not surfing the web? Here's how to fix it.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 08, 2005
Microsoft AntiSpyware violates Spyware EULAs
Cory at BoingBoing writes that Microsoft's new beta antispyware from the acquired corporation GIANT (we talked about this before here), violates the EULA (End User License Agreement) of spyware. Microsoft has been THE biggest supporter of pushing EULA seeing that it is their creation.
Personal note: I'd like to see where Microsoft goes legally. By infracting on their own license agreement, they are doing some illegal, just like Lycos with their anti-spam screensaver. Within the legal bounds, they'll have to find another way to disinfect machines. Perhaps with their monopolization clout, they can push forward an amendment of EULA? This will become hairy in the long run if the antispyware is kept the same as the beta.
Posted by darkmoon at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 07, 2005
Gizmodo Interview of Gates
Gizmodo got the chance to interview Gates on blogging, online journalism, and the future of Windows.
Gates on blogging:
We ourselves aren't that much of a publisher. We did the Slate Magazine thing to try and prove out what kind of things, what kind of formats could you do in online journalism that were different than the things that had been done.
Posted by darkmoon at 02:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Gates points accusing finger at open-source communists
In wide world of open-source, public enemy number one would be Bill Gates. This is no laughing matter either. While Bill's company keeps trying to break into the open-source world with programs such as Paint.NET and WiX, he's having fun relating the open-source community to communists. BoingBoing and others poke fun at him after that interview by creating CreativeCommie emblems here, here, and here.
Power to the people!
Lessig writes:
what a total (intellectual) disappointment this man isIf I had the time, and the money, I'd do the deep analysis that it would take to explain to myself why it is I constantly hope to be surprised by Mr. Gates. Yet I never am. Here's BoingBoing reporting the red-baiting of Mr. Gates.
It's one thing to read this sort of thing from a studio exec, or head of a record label -- surrounded as they are by the sort that surround them. But the people I've met at Microsoft are miles beyond this sort of silliness. Does Mr. Gates not even talk to them?
Oh well, seems like Mr. Gates has felt the pressure of the people.
Power to the people!
UPDATE: GiantRobotPrinting is selling the shirts for $5 a piece (Youth S-Adult L) or $6 a piece (Adult XL-Adult 3XL) and shipping is $5.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 06, 2005
Microsoft releases AntiSpyware
Microsoft releases AntiSpyware(beta)
today. Buggy software, but it is reviewed here at Microsoft Inside by Nathan Weinberg. While one of the chief detriments to the Windows operating system is security, and the Google toolbar, and Yahoo toolbars try to fix this, Microsoft is also trying to slip in a subscription service into this tool. While a powerful tool, perhaps this could increase a number of other concerns by the public?
From Slashdot
Posted by darkmoon at 11:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 23, 2004
Paint.NET tries to take on GIMP in Open Source
Paint.NET is an Open Source initiative by Washington State University and Microsoft to try to replace the MS Paint in Windows XP. Written in C# and with GDI+ extensions, this is project will try to give The GIMP, a GTK based graphics program, a run for its money.
Slashdot covers it here.
Personal note: I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry over this one. GIMP is an Adobe Photoshop alternative while Paint.NET is to replace Microsoft Paint. Anyone that's worked in graphics knows that you do everything in Photoshop. Period. So, if this is supposed to compete, we better see some brilliant workings in the making. Second, this comes from my alma mater. Graduating from the same department, I'm STILL trying to figure out if the department finally found direction or not. Reason being? These were the same people when I was a senior in college that told us that learning C and Unix filesystems wasn't important for freshmen CS majors anymore and that Java and Windows was where the world was going to go. WSU CS, if you've finally found your calling, I applaude that it only took all of my collegiate career plus some. If not, I'm hardly going to bring up old wounds.
Posted by darkmoon at 01:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 21, 2004
How can I trust Firefox? - Peter Torr
Peter Torr (Microsoft) writes about some of the issues he ran into while installing Firefox 1.0. Most of them are complaints about the installer and unsigned controls (such as ActiveX), where Microsoft is famous for. Granted, this should be taken with a grain of salt. He is after all a Program Manager for Microsoft and not a bonafide geek like the rest of the Slashdot readers. In any case, he was given the "smackdown" by slashdot readers all over the world.
Personal note: Obviously, there are people that act like this one in the world. That's why we have the "No Child Left Behind" program. We're trying to dumb things down so that everyone can be just as dimwitted. What I find most amusing is that I've known Microsoft employees that have told me that their code stinks but they have no choice but to follow specifications. This leads me to believe that we have another manager that is trying to link two things together: his/her obvious ignorance to technology and having a strong opinion about the subject.
Posted by darkmoon at 03:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 26, 2004
Microsoft BSODs UK National Health Service
Interesting. 7 upgrades from Microsoft 2000 to Microsoft XP failed. This caused over 60,000 other Windows computers to BSOD. Slashdot covers this story.
Truthfully, there is no remorse except for the taxpayers for that 500 million contract by the National Health Service (UK). Most government IT staff I've ever dealt with usually don't know what they're doing, and to botch up a simple Windows upgrade is awfully amusing. To botch it up and cause BSODs on other computers.... Someone obviously doesn't know how to write automated unattended installations correctly. Go hither and learn thyself here! Oh wait. That's open-source. Might scare those MSCEs...
UPDATE: A friend just mentioned that SP2 crashed his computers to BSOD. Could these IT people have REALLY installed SP2 after all the news in the industry warns of the instability? Hmm. Let us ponder.
Posted by darkmoon at 11:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 24, 2004
Microsoft Critic gains half of settlement
Now this is interesting. Microsoft paid almost $20 million to the CCIA (Computer and Communications Industry Association) of which Oracle, Yahoo, and Sun Microsystems are on the Board. FT.com recent reported that Ed Black (CCIA president) pocketed at least half of the settlement that was approved by the Board. Rumors are that Nokia left the Board after hearing about the settlement claiming that it was handled improperly.
Much as I dislike Microsoft's antitrust issues, this "1 time bonus" along with the 3 year contract at $500,000 a year, this guy better not ever complain about not being able to send his kids to college. With all that money that goes to him, I'm surprised that he doesn't donate some of it at least to OSDN or something that's actually useful in the fight against the big M.
Posted by darkmoon at 02:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 18, 2004
Gates probably the most spammed person in the world?
This just came by the news.com.au that Bill Gates could possibly be the most spammed person in the world averaging 4 million per day.
What amuses me is that, knowing how the CEO receives email here at the corporation where I work, there is a "public e-mail" and an internal one that only the top staff know. The public e-mail is filtered by a staff that passes it along to the internal e-mail. So technically speaking, Bill Gates might be the most spammed, but it's a fake address. Similar to everyone that has a hotmail, or yahoo account where they register most of their junk as not to receive those spam messages.
Ballmer thinks that he's one of the few special people too. Sorry to disappoint you bud, but I know the game.
Posted by darkmoon at 10:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack