Xbox Live Disallows Linux, Unix As Keywords

shafty023 writes "The Xbox Live online service disallows screen names like LINUXRULES, L I N U X, and other variations of these kinds. Other bloggers are reporting that variants of 'Unix' also result in the message: 'Your motto contains inappropriate language. Please try again.'" If this is an extension of Microsoft's anti-Linux campaign, perhaps it's time they gave it up.

Maybe not completely anti-linux.

[Anonymous Coward]

Words like Microsoft aren't allowed either. It hard to say what they are going for here. Maybe preventing smack-talk too.

Re:MSN messenger...

[hc5duke]

Maybe you're remembering the Scunthorpe problem [wikipedia.org]?

Re:Correct me if I'm wrong (seriously)

[TheTopher]

The Halo 3 Public Beta demonstrated a new feature that allows players to choose an alphanumeric "call sign" of the form A00. The call sign "N64" was not allowed due to trademark issues. I would imagine that such issues are the same reason why Linux is not allowed in gamer tags.

Re:And to think I was going to buy an Xbox 360!!

[bherman]

Maybe you should do some research about your claims.
1) Vista only support for DX10
This isn't availible on XP either, and since no one is buying Vista no developer will support it. They don't want to only sell to a small install base.
2) MS is actually helping Mono develop Silverlight for Linux Link [sdtimes.com]
Now, since they are helping a community that is actually fluent in Linux development as apposed to getting their feet dirty and then eveyone blaming them for intentionally introducing bugs to the Linux version we're now yelling "They aren't supporting Linux?" I don't like them as much as the next guy, but at least attack them on some more valid claims (OOXML perhaps)

Re:But maybe...

[garett_spencley]

I was dying to post some joke about just how hilarious the whole concept is, but couldn't think of anything. Immature or not I found the whole idea that MS would do such a thing extremely amusing.

Then I read the other comments and people pointed out that "Microsoft" and "Windows" are also disallowed words, as well they pointed out that there is a policy that using trademarked terms in screen names is disallowed. Assuming those posts are correct, it now seems like a complete non-story and non-issue. Ironically (as the parent poster is currently modded Troll), kdawson and shafty023 should be the ones modded Troll for the article. IMO.

It's anti-retarded fanboy

[Sycraft-fu]

Seriously, if your gaming handle is based around your OS, you are kinda of... Well... A jackass. Nobody gives a shit what OS you like, just play the game. It could be anti-Linux, but as you noted, it's more Kiley just anti-moron. There's not reason to make mention of OSes in handles on Live other than to start shit, which just really isn't needed.

trademarks? no

[EllynGeek]

It is not illegal for private citizens to use trademarked names any old non-commercial way they want to. This new /. generation is seriously uninformed, and way too willing to put up with corporate bullshit.

*Sigh*

[Seven001]

Blizzard does the same thing in World of Warcraft. No trademarks as names.

As others have suggested, we should bash Microsoft for what they deserve to be bashed for, not stupid shit like this.

Re:Other words?

[DeepZenPill]

In the Halo 3 Multiplayer beta you can assign your character a 3 character ID, consisting of a letter followed by 2 numbers. Disallowed ID's included N64, P53, N35, and a few others that escape me right now. I mean come on Microsoft.

one sided

[Bizzeh]

this is a little bias, and the whole story isnt presented... microsoft, msn, and other such words cannot be used... and all cannot be used for a valid reason. so people cannot use live to bicker over ms vs. the world. live is a service that people enjoy, because none of this goes on there.

I have Linux in my motto.

[Bender Unit 22]

I used a often posted line here on Slashdot as the "motto" in live account, since it really is my motto.
They must have added this limitation later on.

But what does it help? Can't you just go around it like fx. instead of writing "running linux", write "running on penguin power".