Bedrock, which filed the patent in 1997 and received it in 1999, wants to stop Google from using its Linux kernel code. The jury may require the latter to remove the code from their operating system. If the claim holds, the verdict can affect a number of other companies who use Linux or Linux-based operating systems. These include Intel Corp and Nokia Corp, which use the same kernel for their MeeGo OS.

In an interview with BBC, Google executives said the rise of patent litigations is forcing companies to overspend on “questionable” claims. The millions of dollars spent defending old patents could instead be invested in newer technologies and create jobs in the process, they added. The company called the case an attack on the open source community, and said it would continue to defend against them.

The complaint was originally filed against Google in 2009 in East Texas, where Bedrock is based. In the original document, other companies including PayPal, Amazon, Match.com, Yahoo, AOL, and MySpace were also accused of violating the Linux code patent. Google was the first of these companies to appear in court, possibly because they had the most Linux-based products.

The trial began on April 11th with Bedrock claiming Google violated the first two terms of its patent, and Google denying the claims and adding that the patent was in fact invalid. The jury ruled in favor of Bedrock on April 15th.

Google representatives say they plan to appeal the verdict. Experts believe they will try to get the patent proven invalid based on its original defebse, although history suggests the process can drag on for years. Other affected companies may have pay hefty royalties and license fees if the patent remains in place.

The Linux issue is one of several that have been filed against Google since the release of Android, a mobile operating system. In another case filed last August, Oracle Corp. accused Google of infringing on Java patents by using its virtual machine technology in Android. The patents were transferred during the merger with Sun Microsystems, Java’s original developer.

Many expect Google to make changes to its Android code kernel, or replace it altogether to avoid more infringement claims.

In a snapshot Linux Mint 8.0 operating system is an upgrade version of Linux Ubuntu operating system which offers even better interface, easy and quick installation and user friendly programmes. The only reservation is that sometimes Windows programmes are not properly run or supported by Ubundu, which would restrict certain users from using it. Those who would like to use oftware that is not supported by Linux or that is not available on it would do a choice towards Microsoft operating systems or Apple. However, apart from that reservation, new version of Ubuntu such as Linux Mint 8.0 operating system offers a great solution. Its code name is Helena and it matches to Ubuntu. You can freely download it at www.linuxmint.com.

When you download it, Linux Mint 8.0 operating system is crispy green coloured coded and is indeed very much in line with its minty name. There is a wide scope of software to choose from such as Open Office and others. If, for instance, in Ubuntu one could not run all media files, Linux Mint 8.0 operating system offers excellent solution to run media files with ease and efficiency. You would find Linux Mint 8.0 operating system easier and simpler. If you think that downloading more than 700 megabites is too much, you can also request CD copy from several CD providers.

One of the best features of Linux Mint 8.0 operating system is that you can install it without causing any damage to your Windows or any changes to existing installed versions. There are options to co-exist in two different operating systems when you run Linux Mint 8.0. When you install it and then switch your computer, you can actually choose whether you want to run Linux Mint 8.0 operating system or the one you had installed before. This option would require you to be more cautious with your data and try to back it up very carefully before co-existing in two operating systems. The main issue is that the data can be lost forever.

In a form as it is right now and especially being FREE to download, Linux Mint 8.0 operating system represents a serious competitor to Microsoft. The only issue is that too many people are used to Excel shortcuts in order to switch to unknown territory. Thus, even though it is perfectly user friendly, it would take time for Linux Mint 8.0 operating system to win its market share.

Other software that is supported by Ubuntu 9.10 operating system is Flash which allows opening media files and is very easy to operate. Those who are keen on creating professional documents and presentations will find Open Office free of charge for their use. It is very similar to Microsoft Office option, yet, it does have different shortcuts specifically for Excel and for the users of Excel it would mean some retraining and learning of the new shortcuts to adjust to Open Office in this case.

Finally, in addition to all above Ubuntu 9.10 operating system has a centre where you can access various free applications that are open source and, needless to say, are absolutely free of charge. There are different groups you can search including graphics, videos, programming and others. If you are interested in graphic editing, Ubuntu 9.10 operating system offers GIMP which is a very simple and easy way to edit pictures and images. There is also Jokosher and Stellarium that bring fun to your computer.