That's never stopped them before, why should it stop them now?
Microsoft seems to think that everyone who runs an x86 machine needs a Microsoft Windows license. I do many things, but I do not do Microsoft Windows. I'm a Unix/Linux guy and on non-Mac hardware why should I have to pay for a software license for something I'll never use?
For those of you techies out there consider this - the Microsoft strategery is very similar to the "public option" in Obamacare. You have to pay for it whether you want it or not.
I'm going to have to do an essay on this.
I have mixed emotions regarding this suit, but as AAPL is the last bastion of free choice in the computer+OS market in the OS I have to side with them.
The best of all worlds is that Microsoft comes up with their own machines, especially branded for Microsoft Windows. Generic PCs then can be sold without an OS (or FreeDOS) and the user can install whatever they want on it (legally of course).
So, bring it on MSFT. Kick AAPL in the 'nads and bring out a Microsoft branded line of machines and let generic PCs sell with no OS. Or are you chicken to compete in a free market?
No it isn't, and no you shouldn't. This is just another in a long line of decisions which limit what you can do with what you purchase. I'm not talking about copyright violation, but about fair use, which is gradually being eroded by companies like Apple, Disney and Microsoft.
And it is Linux and FOSS which are the last bastion of free choice.