Linked by Eugenia Loli-Queru on Tue 10th Jan 2006 23:44 UTC, submitted by Derek Newhall
After 2 years of examination the U.S Patent and Trademark Office has reversed its two earlier unofficial decisions and decided that Microsoft's File Allocation Table file system constitutes a "novel and non-obvious" system enabling it to be patented. This coupled with Microsofts plans to charge licensing fees for use of the system could cause many problems for open-source operating systems that implement the file system, or even to mp3 players. Elsewhere, APCMag.com has an interview with Microsoft's "open source point man" Martin Gregory.
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RE[4]: future linux kernels
by raver31 on Wed 11th Jan 2006 19:47
in reply to "RE[3]: future linux kernels"
Member since:2005-07-06
No, FAT under Linux is actually a kernel module. The kernel module does not have to be added and you are incorrect saying that virtually 100% of distributers have it enabled.
The "vast majority" do in fact enable this module, but it is not needed to have a fully functioning system. It is only needed for cross platform compatability.
sorry for being so pedantic, but clearly, these things need to be clarified, or there will be loads of patent suits in the future.
Member since:
2006-01-06
FAT by default is not part of a Linux setup
Huh? It's part of the kernel, virtually 100% of distributors choose to have it enabled. Not part of a Linux setup?