So you want to use a digital camera?

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0312/03120403microsoftisfat.asp

Microsoft will soon be charging manufacturers of flash memory card devices
and those which use them $0.25 per unit or up to $250,000 to use the FAT
filesystem. For those who are unaware the FAT file system was developed by
Microsoft back in 1976 and has become the standard file system for all
digital still cameras. Microsoft owns patents to the FAT File System but for
many years hasn't even hinted that it may one day decide to charge for it.
These new licenses appear to come into effect immediately and specifically
make mention of 'compact flash memory cards' and 'portable digital still
cameras'. What a great way for Microsoft to cash in on the most popular
consumer products (as if they don't make enough money already).

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Don Bryant
Received on Fri Dec 5 11:26:29 2003