There's been a bunch of news recently about Microsoft's continuing anti-trust problems. There were arguments in Massachusetts' appeal of the consent decree between MS and the Department of Justice. Also, three days of hearings occurred this week in the European Union's investigation of MS conduct in Europe. Nothing definitive happened, but there are some intriguing bits and pieces that surfaced.

To persuade the Middle Kingdom to pick its software over Linux, Microsoft plays nice. Can there be such a thing as a kinder, gentler Microsoft? The answer may well soon emerge in China, where the software Ninja and Red Dragon are locked in a strategic duel over Windows and its free competitor, Linux. Elsewhere, Brazil moves to shun Microsoft software.

To encourage users to switch from Microsoft Windows products to the new Desktop/LX Operating System, Lycoris is now offering the "Moving On" competitive upgrade for all users of Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2k/XP. Users simply send in their original CD or restore disk along with their Certificate of Authenticity, sticker, or original product key papers from Microsoft , and Lycoris will give them 50% OFF the retail price of Desktop/LX Update 3. This offer will only last two weeks, until November 30th.

Miguel thinks of the future of OS-development under Windows and GNOME/Mono. Have a look here.

Competitors say the software giant need not cripple its popular Windows operating system to comply with European regulators' demands.

Remember Turbolinux? Less than 5 years ago, it was a fixture in the forefront of the Linux landscape along with Red Hat, SuSE, Mandrake, Debian, and the now defunct Storm Linux. Later this week, Turbolinux will release their new desktop distribution, dubbed "10D." The following is a first look at Turbolinux's return to the fray.