| |
In a move that can only be seen as historical, one of the most closely guarded secrets of a Software company is its source code and Microsoft has given that Windows code to Russia.
Last week, Microsoft announced it would allow countries around the world access to the Windows source code provided they sign a non-disclosure agreement, and not distribute the code. Russia is the first country to sign on to the agreement.
With Russia as part of Microsoft's Government Security Program, Russia and any other signatory will be allowed to freely modify the code that runs the Windows platform, add their own code to it, and in essence make a version of Windows only the Russian government has access to. This of course goes the same for any other country that would sign on to the newly created Microsoft Program.
Open source operating systems such as FreeBSD and Linux are the most popular and allow qualified programmers to freely modify how the systems boot or start and in many ways offer more control over the computer or network systems due to the ability to add or remove specific areas of the operating system kernel. The OS kernel is how the operating system runs itself and all other aspects of hardware/software interactment with itself. In many ways, you can think of the operating system core or kernel as important to the whole as the central processing unit on the motherboard.
Having the ability to see and modify source code in an operating system gives governments the ability to not only control how the system runs, but gives an added security sense for using it on highly sensitive computer systems or networks with top secret data. For instance, if the government body locates code they find is a security risk, they can pull it out and recompile the Windows Platform without it.
Obviously, with the more governments signing on to the Microsofts' Government Security Program, there is a higher probability that one government will have the source code leaked to the general public. If the code is leaked in an unencrypted form, it is possible there will be thousands and potentially millions of "customized" Windows platforms running worldwide.
The total size of the source code package given to Russia represents approximately 30 million lines of computer code language.
Related AMO.NET Headlines:
Microsoft and Government near Settlement
Windows Server 2003 solves DLL issues.
China to see Windows Source Code.
The truth about XBOX in Europe and worldwide...
Microsoft and DOJ win, 9 States lose.
1 Year Later, XBOX, GameCube, and the PS2.
Microsoft buys Game Publisher Rare...
Could Microsoft buy Game publisher Rare?
Windows.NET Server hits a high score.
Warcraft 3 sells 4.5 Million INITIAL orders.
Historical Microsoft case gets closing arguments.
The bump in the road for Broadband.
Microsoft XBOX gets LAUNCHED.
File swapping case may bring P5 into Court.
Linux isn't doing too well.
Microsoft Case split 9/9.
Microsoft closes in on Instant Messenging.
Did Microsoft block Web Browsers from MSN?
Netscape upgrade, just for Windows XP
Microsoft and Government near Settlement
Send us news tips | Contact Me | Back to Top
| |
|
