I heard about this from a linux podcast and I am surprised that MS is embracing linux after they once said that linux was a toy/hobbyist operating system and even called a malignant cancer by Steve Ballmer.

I guess MS wants a piece of the cloud pie that linux has a huge advantage over windows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_FSuy8mVA4

They might want a Linux for people to use with their Windows systems that they have control over. (And, who knows, maybe they perceive market-demand for it, especially among their already-captive clientele. Why let RHAT have all the fun?

Linux fans have forgotten how Microsoft works and still works:

https://www.justice.gov/atr/us-v-mic...-findings-fact

The naive idea that MS just "wants in", on this business may be entertaining for five minutes, but is ultimately very naive.

This is a huge corporation which has sunk billions into it's own software projects, which is still attacking Free Software by proxy using patent trolls.

Throwing some loose change at the Linux foundation doesn't change a thing, it just suckers those who are gullible enough and with a short enough memory. Sadly enough people fall for it and in recent times we've seen how misinformation and propaganda can spread so quickly.

I haven't forgotten. I remember all the FUD campaigns against Linux by Microsoft.

I wouldn't touch this nor any other MS products with a 10 foot pole.

I don't think anyone has. But just in case someone actually has forgotten:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_documents

This is what we're remembering.

It always cracks me up (when it doesn't make me shake my head in disgust) when so-called "right wing conservatives" give Lip Service to Capitalism, Supply and Demand when what they really want is Infinite Supply <edit-fixed oops> and Ultimate (and sole control) Demand. I sincerely hope this falls flat on it's nose and MS begins a long, slow spiral down from the Cat Bird Seat..

I always laugh when I hear the terms "embrace, extend, extinguish" as it relates to microsoft. Yes, that was their motto under their previous dictator as another poster mentioned. The reason I laugh is because they do not have any products worth their weight in 1's and 0's. The reason they used to attempt to "embrace, extend, extinguish" was because of their financial clout. This doesn't hold water in the Opensource world. Sure, if you are Canonical or Red Hat or Suse, it might mean something but microsoft does not have the ability to produce products that perform. Sure, they hold the desktop, but not because of quality, because they flooded the market by partnerships with hardware companies.

I don't worry about microsoft, they can't kill Opensource because it runs the Internet, period. Plenty of FUD out there about this, none of it has come true.

"In the next decade, nearly every consumer gadget, every household appliance, and every industrial device will be connected to the Internet."

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/bl...elligent-edge/

That may be true and not very secure at the same time.

There's good reason that Tom Lawrence suggests that "IoT" means "Internet of Targets."

I have no interest nor want an automation home. I don't want my refrigerator, my TV, my microwave oven or other home appliance to connect to the internet. Only to collect data on me about what I eat and how I use my appliances.

I like the term Internet of Threats....perhaps IoT is the new "SkyNet" or Matrix?
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/ka...ats,29450.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skynet_(Terminator)

You say that now, but in 10 years after your subconscious has been beaten to a pulp by designed brain reprogramming and the cult of popular influence you will not only like but demand these devices. [sarcasm and truth]

https://www.johnrampton.com/social-media-mind-control/

If there are no more dumb appliances in 10 or more years down the road and only internet-connected devices, then let's hope we have an option to disable wifi on that device.

To 'connect to the internet' may very well change in the next 10 years. Right now, many utility companies have devices attached within the electric meter which send signals back to the power plant's computer via small digital packets sandwiched between the major 60Hz power waves. They are currently (I think) only monitoring your overall power usage so as to eliminate the need for human meter readers. But new electronic devices - washers, dryers, air conditioners, etc - may soon be required to include a chip that will report more details back to the main computer.

Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

I'm not paranoid. I'm just not a big fan of smart home automation.

I mean, I don't need an Alexa device to turn on my lights, tell me the weather and etc. I can do this myself.