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Lordy, lordy, lordy. They have no shame. It appears that Microsoft has just patented sudo, a personalized version of it.
Here it is, patent number7617530. Thanks, USPTO, for giving Microsoft, which is already a monopoly, a monopoly on something that's been in use since 1980 and wasn't invented by Microsoft. Here's Wikipedia's description of sudo, which you can meaningfully compare to Microsoft's description of its "invention".
This is why what the US Supreme Court does about software patents means so much. Hopefully they will address the topic in their decision on Bilski. Sudo is an integral part of the functioning of GNU/Linux systems, and you use it in Mac OSX also. Maybe the Supreme Court doesn't know that, and maybe the USPTO didn't realize it. But do you believe Microsoft knows it?
Perhaps Microsoft would like everyone in the world to pay them a toll at least, even if they don't want to use Microsoft's software? Like SCO, but with more muscle behind the request? Or maybe it might be used as a barrier to competition? What do you personally believe Microsoft wants patents on things like sudo for? To make sure innovative new companies can compete on an even playing field with Microsoft?

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I do think it is remotely possible that someone at Microsoft really thinks they invented something. It's been obvious that many of their programmers have lead sheltered lives, quite insulated from anything non-Microsoft. It's *possible* that a Microsoft progammer never heard of setuid or sudo.

More likely is that they have a dedicated team that looks at every computing concept ever conceived with an eye toward finding a way to patent some variant on the ideas.

They are a sleazy company. Always have been, always will be. I can't imagine how anyone can work there without feeling dirty and ashamed.