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Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet)
ZDNet reports on
a group of Australian XBox hackers. "A group of Xbox security
researchers say they have found a way to run Linux on the Xbox game console
without a so-called mod chip and will go public with the technique if
Microsoft won't talk to them about releasing an official Linux boot
loader."
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Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jun 27, 2003 22:11 UTC (Fri) by smoogen (subscriber, #97) [Link] These kind of tactics seem to be no different than a shakedown. Give us what we want or we tell the world is still blackmail. Just give out the information as a security review and get it over with.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jun 28, 2003 1:38 UTC (Sat) by proski (subscriber, #104) [Link] Those guys may have good intentions, but the result is that we won't see signed Linux bootloader any time soon. Microsoft doesn't really care about bugs in their products being exposed. It has happened many times. Microsoft tolerates piracy to a certain degree. But for Microsoft to endorse Linux on X-Box now, after being pressed in such way - that's just impossible.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jun 28, 2003 11:07 UTC (Sat) by tex (guest, #12482) [Link] IMHO Microsoft would not tolerate opening the x-box for a simple reason: Withgame consoles, the hardware is sold too cheap, to get into the market, then the revenue comes from the software. So a hacked x-box is basically a computer running linux, sponsored by MS - not really desirable for them.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jun 29, 2003 14:48 UTC (Sun) by zonker (subscriber, #7867) [Link] but the result is that we won't see signed Linux bootloader any time soon.And... there was a snowball's chance in hell that we'd have seen one otherwise? Let's face it, there's virtually no chance that Microsoft would, in any way, endorse Linux on the Xbox under any conditions. Groups have been asking Microsoft for a signed loader for some time now, and the best response they've gotten is no reply whatsoever. This does seem to be a foolish tactic, however. I would imagine Microsoft's lawyers are busy looking for any/all means they can use to go after these folks.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jun 28, 2003 11:08 UTC (Sat) by copsewood (subscriber, #199) [Link] This is no more blackmail than is used regularly against other kinds of criminal low life by regular law enforcement types all the time. "Do the right thing, e.g. turning in one of your accomplices and we won't press charges" is entirely reasonable behaviour against petty criminality when providing incentives to make arrest and prosecution of major crime possible.The fact is that the Microsoft manipulation of monopoly in one area to create a monopoly in another is criminal behaviour. This fact isn't changed by the fact that society has not yet choosen to prosecute this behaviour sufficiently to change it, due to bribery (er, campaign contributions). Here Microsoft is trying to monopolise the game console market and game software market, by spending billions acquired illegally from the Windows and Office monopolies in order to illegally destroy the games console competition, by dumping XBox hardware at highly subsidised prices. The Australian group of hackers doing this are being entirely reasonable. They want an open, competitive and legitimate market in software to be able to run on the Xbox, which can be achieved if Microsoft sign a Linux boot loader. Knowing an expoit which can be published legitimately in Australia (US police state DMCA laws don't apply in this democratic country) which would allow Linux to run legitimately on XBox, but also allow fair use backup copies of proprietary games to run (something Microsoft clearly intends to prevent) is a fair trade under the circumstances. The Australian group with the guts to take on Microsoft, give them incentives to behave in a less criminal fashion, and expose them for the crooks they are deserve our respect and admiration, not irrelevant comparison with blackmailers.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jul 4, 2003 0:31 UTC (Fri) by giraffedata (subscriber, #1954) [Link] Give us what we want or we tell the world is still blackmailExcept that blackmail means the divulger has no interest other than the threat in divulging the information. In this case, if Microsoft won't do the legitimate bootloader, these guys have a perfectly good interest in divulging the information -- it will be the only way the world can run Linux on an Xbox, and that's what they ultimately want. This isn't blackmail or a shakedown -- just an offer of an honest trade.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jun 28, 2003 14:49 UTC (Sat) by naughty-artkitekt (guest, #10552) [Link] What movie did hollywierd last make, "Broken Down"? (with the word "down" in it)I can see it now, "Shakedown: Hackers Taking on the Giant" But, they'll conveniently forget to use the word "crackers" cuz it'll discourage the target demographic from viewing their fine feature. Then, when the shakedown legally turns into a takedown, they'll rename the movie.... hehehh Shakedown... Too bad tho, as this tarnishes Linux/Open Source somewhat. But, then again, it doesn't always take a "gianter giant" to take down a giant. I suspect eventually, the entertainment cartel will climb in a yacht somewhere and collude, and hand Sony the task of "buying out" (or knocking off?/out of the running?) No, wait, I'm not making any sense. Sony's already ON the Linux box. Maybe these guys should be shaking down SONY? If they crank out better graphics, then maybe Sony will hurry up with the PS/3. Wait, that's nonsensical, too... Oh well. OTOH (how many hands?) They should just let ms play in their own little sandbox and then just watch hexed(as in bad luck) -box keep losing money. What have they sunk into it so far, over $500,000,000 and counting? Segue ("seg-way") Maybe if gates would finish up his ongoing-housing project and start paying property taxes, Washington could ease up its own financial crisis. Yep, there was some article about a year or two ago claiming he keeps the underground parking lot or shop or whatever under constant work so it never completes, gets a permit/whatever, then becomes taxable. Anybody know anything about that. Boy, would nice if MY (former) property taxes weren't tagged onto my mortgage. David Syes (being keystroked/lonned/vored)
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jul 4, 2003 0:34 UTC (Fri) by giraffedata (subscriber, #1954) [Link] What movie did hollywierd last make, "Broken Down"? (with the word "down" in it)I think you mean Takedown, aka Hackers 2 aka The Takedown Conspiracy. It's the Kevin Mitnick story, which has essentially never been released -- liability issues or something.
Linux Xbox group squeezes Microsoft (ZDNet) Posted Jul 16, 2003 20:56 UTC (Wed) by hazelsct (guest, #3659) [Link] What movie did hollywierd last make, "Broken Down"? (with the word "down" in it) I can see it now, "Shakedown: Hackers Taking on the Giant"But, they'll conveniently forget to use the word "crackers" cuz it'll discourage the target demographic from viewing their fine feature. Indeed. Remember when an article a few years back the term "black guests" turned up to describe those engaged in unwanted remote activity on one's machine? My favorite reply was intriguingly entitled, "Crackers mislabeled as black guests"! :-)
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