Microsoft Patents Sudo
A further patent by Microsoft brings the software patent discussion to a renewed boil: the software giant has claims on "sudo."
At regular intervals Microsoft issues reminders that Linux and other free software allegedly infringes 235 of its patents. Now sudo could become number 236. Sudo is short for "super user do" and familiar to every Linux and Unix-like operating system users as a way to apply root privileges to a process. Now packaged with a graphical interface, the function is registered at the U.S. Patent Office under number 7,617,530. Microsoft describes in the usual perplexing patent lingo how they position their claim. Pamela Jones, who runs the Groklaw site, summarizes the formulation into a few words: "Sudo for Dummies."
The first reference Microsoft makes to sudo's origin is in the year 1997. The sudo command actuallly goes back to somewhere near 1980 when Bob Coggeshall and Cliff Spencer developed it at the State University of New York in Buffalo and applied it for the first time to 4.1BSD. Sudo is currently maintained by Todd Miller of OpenBSD. Referring to its long history, Jones mentions quite dryly in her Groklaw blog, "I guess Microsoft forgot to mention that." The conclusion to the patent has the far-reaching final wording, "the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described."
Open source lawyers are putting their hopes into the so-called "Bilski case." In October 2008, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that business ideas are not patentable. The case is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court and experts believe that the ruling could significantly affect the patentability of software.
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Hi every One
Perhaps Microsoft would like everyone in the world to pay them a toll at least, even in the event that they don't need to make use of Microsoft's program? Like SCO, but with more muscle behind the request? Or perhaps it might be used as a barrier to competition? What do you personally think Microsoft wishes patents on things like sudo for? To make definite innovative new companies can compete on an even playing field with Microsoft?
http://jogosdemotos9.org
hello
Microsoft Has Yet to Be Matched
NAV
Microsoft is a big baby just asking for more candy
They can't.
I have the proof of this... easy.
Since 1996 they try to patch holes in Internet Explorer and this piece of junk is like a piece of Gruyere where there is no cheese left !
The math is hum ... 2011 - 1996 = 15.
15 years to prove nothing.
Just like the automotive industry: my father in law was mordicus for GM 30 years ago. Guess what,
he bought a Toyoya 3 years ago. I told him way before he should do the move. I asked what decided you finally.
He said :"GM and all the other american car makers had 30 years to correct their problems they sat on it and did pffffit , look where they are going now.
Think about it minisoft !
Microsoft
Microsoft Patents Sudo
Deonna Katten,
http://autoinsb.com/
sudo
This patent describes a process of privilege elevation of walking process. Seven different things.
I have find same article from here http://paraorkut9.org/
Why I hate microsoft
What sudo really means
heh
The irony is THICK with this one.
His what is dumb?
Scott Evans....
Re: Ms patents Sudo
All right, I'm patenting the letter "e" (and "E"
Microsoft Patents Sudo
So open a CMD terminal in win2k, win-XP, Vista & win7 and I bet if you type "sudo" you get this is not a recognised command!
Also open command.com for win95/98/ME and type "sudo" again it will be unrecognised!