If they'll open-source their code why would you need to pay Microsoft money? Obviously you're unable to switch to Linux (because you would have switched a decade ago) so you need Windows and, as long as the code is closed, you need Microsoft.
Okay, smarty pants, how does Linux—which is open source—make its money?
Most distros are run by foundations which make a considerable amount of their money from Microsoft, grants, and donations
It mostly doesn't. Just some donations to keep it afloat.
That's not true. Do you think the engineers working full time on Linux are being paid from donations?
They work for businesses.
Yes, some engineers got their salary from companies. I see no problem here. You can count it as a donations from business.
I mean Linux is written for having Linux. Microsoft does its stuff having money as a goal. Principally different approaches. You can consider Linux as a non-profit organization if it is more comfortable to you.
Huh? I wasn't making a value judgement, I was just saying Linux development is largely funded from other means than donations.
And? The question was "Where does Linux get money?", my answer was "No money, that isn't even a goal".
I don't understand you.
There is no single "Linux" to make money is my point
It's organizations, sometimes non-profit and sometimes not. There is money in the building of linux. It doesn't run on wishes.
You're either a) misinformed if you think it's mostly funded by donations or b) not understanding the point.
Check mate!
Why should an OS kernel make money?
Why should Microsoft make money if they open source their OS?
The last half of your question is superfluous.
I disagree. The entire question is superfluous.
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