The debate in a Baltimore federal court is over who has a better idea about how to close "the digital divide," and equip needy schools with computers. On one side are Microsoft and the lawyers suing Microsoft; on the other side, Apple Computer, Linux advocates and other Microsoft critics. No matter who is technically right, isn't the very idea and place of the debate so very wrong? Isn't this the wrong debate in the wrong place between the wrong people? Shouldn't everyone involved be sent home with a note from the teacher? If Microsoft wants to give away software, that's a noble idea; but it's also an idea that should have nothing to do with the antitrust suits against it.
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