Day: June 16, 2006

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols seems to think so… he makes the case that Bill Gates is the driving personality behind Microsoft’s “win at all cost” attitude. With him gone, will M$ fade?

Is Gates’ retirement Linux’s chance?

Vaughan-Nichols says, “It was Gates’ vision and his win-at-any-cost drive that pushed Microsoft from being just one of many 1970s software companies to being the Godzilla of software. Anyone who has really looked at Microsoft’s rise knows it was Gates’ business tactics, and not the quality of Microsoft’s software, that made the company what it is today. Can it still be that company without him at the helm? I don’t see it. I don’t see it at all.”

Microsoft June 15 confirmed that a new, undocumented flaw in its widely used Excel spreadsheet program was being used in an attack against an unnamed target.

Microsoft Confirms Excel Zero-Day Attack Under Way

“The company’s warning comes less than a month after a code-execution hole in Microsoft Word was exploited in what is described as a “super, super targeted attack” against business interests overseas. The back-to-back zero-day attacks closely resemble each other and suggest that well-organized criminals are conducting corporate espionage using critical flaws purchased from underground hackers.”

You have gotten used to a “net neutral” Internet. We take it for granted. But, if certain forces have their way, the Internet could become “segmented” into faster and slower “lanes” on the “Information Superhighway.” The Internet is the “great equalizer” for folks like me that are opinionated and want to share their thoughts and ideas freely! Join the drive to keep the Internet free!

Save the Internet!

“The SavetheInternet.com Coalition is a real grassroots alliance of organizations, citizens, businesses and bloggers that have banded together to protect Internet freedom. The Coalition believes that the Internet is a crucial engine for economic growth and free speech. We are working together to urge Congress to preserve Network Neutrality, the First Amendment for the Internet that ensures that the Internet remains open to innovation and progress. From its beginnings, the Internet has leveled the playing field for all comers. Everyday people can have their voices heard by thousands, even millions of people. The SavetheInternet.com Coalition — representing millions of Americans from all walks of life — is working together to ensure that Congress passes no telecommunications legislation without meaningful and enforceable Network Neutrality protections.”

Well, to be less involved in the day-to-day operations anyway. I gotta give Bill G. credit. (I know you probably think the aliens have replaced me!) Anyway, Bill G. and I are the same age. If I had the mega-mega bucks that he has, I think I would have long since gone on to pursue other things. But then, I know he is probably heavily involved in Microsoft as “part of himself,” defining who he is… so it is probably hard to leave. He is actually slowly removing himself from day-to-day operations over a two year period. He will remain as Chairman of M$. So, Bill, enjoy!

Bill Gate Steps Down

Don’t worry! I will resume attacking M$ really soon, I promise! [GRIN!]