A History of Microsoft's AntiCompetitive Behavior

[CrashMan]

Soleron said:

CrashMan said:
You can convert them to other formats.

Is it also fair for someone's IP to be freely distributed (and a file format IS IP) simply because other people want to use it on something other than windows?

People have the option NOT to use Windows and therefore you can't use WMV formats natively. Just like if you opt NOT to buy a Wii, you can't (legally) play Super Mario Galaxy.

They have every right to protect their IPs and leverage them to gain market share and make a profit.

1. No you can't, without paying royalties. Tools (like ffmpeg) exist to convert them but are illegal under US law.

2. Yes, but my school (and for example many workplaces) forces me to use WMV and MS Office files and have a computer compatible with them at home. Whereas these places don't require me to have Super Mario Galaxy.

 

 

1.) There are tons of avi to wmv converters out there, pick one up.  If you can't find a free one then buy one if you need it.

2.) That is an issue with your school, not microsoft.  You should take it up with your school, and have them provide you with what you need, or use school resources to create the files you can't use at home.