Ask HN: What should Microsoft do to show they are serious about open source?

They could do things like create an open source programmer’s editor, buy Xamarin, release an open source version of their compilers and CLR, and contribute millions of lines of code annually to major open source projects. Oh, and they could buy some kind of dominant website most famous for hosting open source projects.

> Without open sourcing Windows and Office?

One can be serious about an approach without total commitment, but total commitment is the path that removes the most doubt.

From another angle: MS' current use of open source seems motivated by the desire to appeal to developers. They can be entirely serious about that as a strategy. However, that's distinct from embracing open source because they believe in that methodology. Is new stuff from MS developed in the open from the start, by default? Until that happens, they're just playing with the toys, not committing to the cause.

how about open sourcing direct X? itd be a nice way to show theyre willing without letting windows or office sources into the wild

They could replace NTOSKRNL.EXE with vmlinuz.