LOL!! And linux gets another punch square in the face! How much more abuse can linux take before it just throws in the towel and admits defeat? Lets look at the facts here, linux has not gained any ground and is losing it very quickly as evidenced by this article. The people have spoken, they do not want linux. It makes for a terrible user experience when you have to recompile all your applications to get them to run. The disappointing segfaults and kernel panics probably helped in making the decision to pull linux from the shelves as well.
Poor Linus, he must be sitting in a corner crying right now.
UK retailer pulls Linux netbooks from stores
Summary
Windows "has emerged as the preferred operating system because Windows makes it easier to share content and provides customers with a simpler, more familiar computing experience on the move," said a PC World spokesman.
Topics
PC World, the UK's biggest computing retailer, is to stop selling Linux netbooks in its stores.
Jeremy Fennell, PC World's category director, said in a statement on Monday that all the netbooks in PC World's stores will feature Microsoft Windows. He also said the chain will no longer stock netbooks with screens measuring less than 10 inches.
"Despite initial hype that netbooks would move more users onto the Linux platform, Microsoft has emerged as the preferred operating system because Windows makes it easier to share content and provides customers with a simpler, more familiar computing experience on the move," Fennell said.
See Also: Windows 7's netbook success is no slam-dunk
Customers want a "decent, usable" screen size and keyboard and a software system they are familiar with, Fennell added. "The screen size is important as customers want to be able to view pages easily, but the netbook also needs to be small enough to fit in a handbag. The 10-inch models fit the bill perfectly," he said.
PC World is owned by the electronics giant DSG International, which also owns the Currys electrical chain. A spokesperson for DSG International told ZDNet UK that Currys stores would also stop stocking non-Windows netbooks. The online operations of both PC World and Currys will, however, continue to carry netbooks with Linux as the operating system and with smaller screens.
The spokesperson refused to give precise figures for DSG International's Linux netbook sales, but said they accounted for less than 10 percent of the group's netbook sales.
DSG International's decision to drop Linux netbooks from its stores drew swift praise from Microsoft. Company blogger Brandon LeBlanc said the trend of "customers demanding Windows for its ease of use, compatibility and simplicity" was not unique to the UK, but was happening in the US as well.
"The latest data from NPD's retail tracking service showed that Windows now account for a whopping 98 percent of all small notebook PCs sales at retail in the US," LeBlanc wrote in a blog posted on Monday. "I think it's important to note that all of this momentum is happening before Windows 7 is even out! When Windows 7 does arrive (special report) […] I think the demand for Windows on these devices will increase even more."
Last year, PC manufacturer MSI said its Linux netbooks had four times the return rate of its Windows netbooks. Ubuntu sponsor Canonical said in October that the higher Linux return rates could be attributed to "teething problems" with running the operating system on netbooks.
On Wednesday, Canonical spokesman Gerry Carr said Microsoft had "the distribution, connections and relationships in place" to ensure Windows dominance in retail stores, but suggested that it was a different story with online sellers.
"There's a big disparity between physical store and online stores," Carr said, adding that 30 percent of the netbooks Dell sold online used Ubuntu Linux rather than Windows.
Carr also pointed out that, while there was a great deal of buzz around Windows 7, this week's Computex show in Taiwan included many manufacturers showing off new Linux-based netbooks and smartbooks.
"The IT industry is converging around different non-Microsoft-based platforms," Carr said. "Any thought that the war is over is a bit like George Bush's 'Mission Accomplished' statement."
This article was originally posted on ZDNet UK.
Just In
People are not familiar with the GUIs available on Linux (or provided by the Netbook manufacturers/retailers).
Still not sure why you insist on building from source (compiling) everything on Linux machines when you can use package managers like Synaptic Package manager or Yellow Dog Update Manager (used by RedHat) or the graphical tools related to software updates and repository management or Gentoo emerge similar to using BSD Ports. So sad!
Still not sure why you insist on building from source (compiling) everything on Linux machines when you can use package managers like Synaptic Package manager or Yellow Dog Update Manager (used by RedHat) or the graphical tools related to software updates and repository management or Gentoo emerge similar to using BSD Ports. So sad!
People do not want to use linux due to an inconsistent GUI and compatibility problems.
People want to use Windows because it's easier to work with and easier to share content as the article states.
The familiarity issue also applies. It's all three reasons!
The familiarity issue also applies. It's all three reasons!
All three reasons FTW! Oh poor linux, going down so fast.
People want to use Windows because it is more compatible with...Windows!! And it is easier to share [Windows-based] content. And the Windows GUI is more familiar because it is more like...Windows.
In other words, people who are used to Windows want to keep using it. I think they just don't know any better...
In other words, people who are used to Windows want to keep using it. I think they just don't know any better...
Of course! They just find it hard to get their heads round the fact they do not get constantly infected by malware and viruses like they are used to with windows.
With Microsoft Windows increased security plus add-on programs like anti-malware and anti-virus its been too long since I've heard of anyone getting infected.
Malware 1) installs silently, 2) opens up a security hole, and 3) is hard to remove.
Microsoft got it correct on all 3 check points in installing their ".NET Framework Assistant" as an extension to, get this, *FireFox*. More information at: http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-12846-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=310431
Microsoft got it correct on all 3 check points in installing their ".NET Framework Assistant" as an extension to, get this, *FireFox*. More information at: http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-12846-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=310431
...it was a 'do not want' issue.
And its no more accuratge today then it was then.
Canonical's Ubuntu still seems too buggy to me, based on my anecdotal experience.
Fedora 11 is super fast and stable but requires some know-how to run.
OpenSUSE just seems bloated and better for desktops, but I haven't tried it on a laptop.
I'm sure others can chime in about the merits of other distros, but I don't think any has the star power of Microsoft or Apple.
Maybe with Google's entree with Android or Intel/Novell's with Moblin the gap could narrow.
Tried a Moblin Beta liveCD on a laptop I've got. It's pretty slick, a much better interface than Gnome or KDE for netbooks, IMO.
I think speed might actually make more of a difference than people say. Windows loading services and longer times to load from hibernate do make a difference, in my experience.
Maybe Windows 7 will close the gap. We'll see.
In any event, I don't see Windows dominance stopping any time soon, or ever, but that doesn't mean there can't be a good, viable alternative.
Fedora 11 is super fast and stable but requires some know-how to run.
OpenSUSE just seems bloated and better for desktops, but I haven't tried it on a laptop.
I'm sure others can chime in about the merits of other distros, but I don't think any has the star power of Microsoft or Apple.
Maybe with Google's entree with Android or Intel/Novell's with Moblin the gap could narrow.
Tried a Moblin Beta liveCD on a laptop I've got. It's pretty slick, a much better interface than Gnome or KDE for netbooks, IMO.
I think speed might actually make more of a difference than people say. Windows loading services and longer times to load from hibernate do make a difference, in my experience.
Maybe Windows 7 will close the gap. We'll see.
In any event, I don't see Windows dominance stopping any time soon, or ever, but that doesn't mean there can't be a good, viable alternative.
From your post is is obvious that you know very little or nothing at all about Linux. Ubuntu is the World's fastest growing Linux-Distro and it does not need any 'Malware' protection.
Look at the following sites to get Linux-Educated.
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://slashdot.org/
http://distrowatch.com/
Look at the following sites to get Linux-Educated.
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://slashdot.org/
http://distrowatch.com/
This might be because people going to physical stores
expect to be helped by staff and see by themselves what's
available. People buying netbooks online probably knew in
advance the pros and cons of using Linux and went ahead
and purchase netbooks loaded with it
Of course another explanation could be that with less
availability of netbooks with Linux in stores, people
interested in it had no choice but to buy online
expect to be helped by staff and see by themselves what's
available. People buying netbooks online probably knew in
advance the pros and cons of using Linux and went ahead
and purchase netbooks loaded with it
Of course another explanation could be that with less
availability of netbooks with Linux in stores, people
interested in it had no choice but to buy online
The linux netbooks were available and weren't selling. For the store, it's a simple matter of economics.
Linux people do tend to be more internet aware, so I believe that more linux folks would use the online option as opposed to going to the store, like you say.
People going to the store may not trust internet ordering, or are not decided on exactly what they want. Either way, when they see windows vs linux netbooks, they know which way they want to jump.
Linux people do tend to be more internet aware, so I believe that more linux folks would use the online option as opposed to going to the store, like you say.
People going to the store may not trust internet ordering, or are not decided on exactly what they want. Either way, when they see windows vs linux netbooks, they know which way they want to jump.
The "sales assistants" probably know absolutely nothing about Linux so were not able to pimp it, something they wouldn't have to do with Windows.
Mind you, it is amusing to see Microsoft dance and jiggle and such to dominate this new-ish market. I guess when people get ticked off with underpowered (for Windows) netbooks then either Microsoft will magically speed up Windows, or people will think, "What a load of..." and go back to other computers.
Who knew Microsoft could make money with such a low low price for XP etc?
Mind you, it is amusing to see Microsoft dance and jiggle and such to dominate this new-ish market. I guess when people get ticked off with underpowered (for Windows) netbooks then either Microsoft will magically speed up Windows, or people will think, "What a load of..." and go back to other computers.
Who knew Microsoft could make money with such a low low price for XP etc?
Have you tried any of the windows netbooks? I have not, so I have no info on performance. I'm interested in your thoughts if you have tried them.
Performance is a non-issue. Sure, You can get more from a Linux netbook, but then you are splitting hairs becuase they are only designed to be used for simple tasks anyway.
....and I was foolish enough to try Vista on my Aspire One after lightening it up with vLite. Not so foolish afterall. No regrets so far and have been using it daily for 3 months.....for simple tasks.
....and I was foolish enough to try Vista on my Aspire One after lightening it up with vLite. Not so foolish afterall. No regrets so far and have been using it daily for 3 months.....for simple tasks.
on my EEE PC 900HA. I think it handles the netbook quite well.
What are your specs?
What are your specs?
Their processor/ram/video spec are less than I must have for work, so they're not really in my "window" so to speak.
I'd say that Microsoft having to "shrink" XP Home (I believe) onto it is not a good indicator of their basic performance/usability. That being said, I know that on any given box I can get more bang out of it running any *nix or Linux, be the box a PC or an Apple or an "other."
So, to me it's a pity the behemoth of Microsoft has pushed Linux out. I think the people who have a need for a netbook kind of thing are being done a disservice. So much so that I do reckon that the netbook market stands a good chance of collapse because people won't/don't want a minimal version of windows.
I'd say that Microsoft having to "shrink" XP Home (I believe) onto it is not a good indicator of their basic performance/usability. That being said, I know that on any given box I can get more bang out of it running any *nix or Linux, be the box a PC or an Apple or an "other."
So, to me it's a pity the behemoth of Microsoft has pushed Linux out. I think the people who have a need for a netbook kind of thing are being done a disservice. So much so that I do reckon that the netbook market stands a good chance of collapse because people won't/don't want a minimal version of windows.
running XP. For its intended purpose (a terminal server client) it's perfectly adequate, especially with the oversized keyboard. The size and weight make carrying around in the car or a briefcase simple.
Would I recommend a netbook for anything other than limited use? No. Be it Linux *or* Windows. The processor is just slow by today's standards. You come off a Core 2 Duo onto an Atom and you can definitely tell the difference. It's like the difference between a V8 and a 4-banger.
Would I recommend a netbook for anything other than limited use? No. Be it Linux *or* Windows. The processor is just slow by today's standards. You come off a Core 2 Duo onto an Atom and you can definitely tell the difference. It's like the difference between a V8 and a 4-banger.
But they weren't selling. Those two statements were true at one time. The reason they weren't selling were the same then as they are now. Market control. Linux doesn't have it.
I once asked a store clerk to show me his netbooks. He started with a Windows model. I told him, "but won't 512 Mb of RAM, including video, and a puny processor barely able to run the AV, make the unit tedious to use?" He told me, "well, that's normal with a PC". Then, I asked about the Linux netbook alongside it (which was switched off and cost 30 bucks less) and he told me right off the bat: "I don't know about this one; it runs Linux, so you can't use it easily. No, you're better off with the Windows model". When I asked him if I could merely switch on the Linux model to try and see if I couldn't indeed use it, he refused, and insisted on showing me the Windows model.
So I went out, bought a second hand (but very recent) netbook, and installed Mandriva Linux on it.
Of course, with such a speech, there was no way I was going to buy either models: store clerk actually DISCOURAGED people from buying Linux netbooks because they DIDN'T KNOW about them.
Let's take the following example: you go to a car reseller; he shows off, side by side, two cars of equivalent performance and comfort. One runs on standard unleaded, the other runs on colza oil (it uses a slightly modified Diesel engine).
The second one can run on gas-oil, or on your run of the mill frying oil, it costs less, it actually uses less juice to develop the same amount of power, it pollutes less, it's supposed to run unchecked for a longer period of time, it drives more smoothly...
But the sales clerk doesn't know about Diesel engines running on colza oil. He will insist you buy the "regular" model, because it'll be less hassle for you to fill its tank.
He also won't have to change the spiel he gives all his customers on regular cars, and will instead say "well, I stopped selling those colza-powered Diesel cars, because nobody wanted them".
So I went out, bought a second hand (but very recent) netbook, and installed Mandriva Linux on it.
Of course, with such a speech, there was no way I was going to buy either models: store clerk actually DISCOURAGED people from buying Linux netbooks because they DIDN'T KNOW about them.
Let's take the following example: you go to a car reseller; he shows off, side by side, two cars of equivalent performance and comfort. One runs on standard unleaded, the other runs on colza oil (it uses a slightly modified Diesel engine).
The second one can run on gas-oil, or on your run of the mill frying oil, it costs less, it actually uses less juice to develop the same amount of power, it pollutes less, it's supposed to run unchecked for a longer period of time, it drives more smoothly...
But the sales clerk doesn't know about Diesel engines running on colza oil. He will insist you buy the "regular" model, because it'll be less hassle for you to fill its tank.
He also won't have to change the spiel he gives all his customers on regular cars, and will instead say "well, I stopped selling those colza-powered Diesel cars, because nobody wanted them".
in the store they can compare and see which OS is better and more to their liking.
Many people buy online that are not computer savvy at all. I know many people that shop Amazon, Buy and others regularly that know nothing about computers.
I would say that a large number of people buying online simply are not aware they are getting a non Windows machine and only looking at the bottom line price.
They also do realize in many cases they are only getting a 4 or 8 GB SSD drive with that discount.
They talked about the high return rate. I'm sure it's much higher for online purchases than in store purchases. Would be interesting to know.
Let's face it, Windows is simply still more compelling and useful for computer users.
And the statements that Linux has what most people need is a bit like a roofer going to buy a new hammer and finding ball peen hammers are less than a claw hammer, and buying the ball peen because it does "most" of what he needs. Hammering. But the moment he needs to pull a nail, he realizes what a mistake he made.
Many people buy online that are not computer savvy at all. I know many people that shop Amazon, Buy and others regularly that know nothing about computers.
I would say that a large number of people buying online simply are not aware they are getting a non Windows machine and only looking at the bottom line price.
They also do realize in many cases they are only getting a 4 or 8 GB SSD drive with that discount.
They talked about the high return rate. I'm sure it's much higher for online purchases than in store purchases. Would be interesting to know.
Let's face it, Windows is simply still more compelling and useful for computer users.
And the statements that Linux has what most people need is a bit like a roofer going to buy a new hammer and finding ball peen hammers are less than a claw hammer, and buying the ball peen because it does "most" of what he needs. Hammering. But the moment he needs to pull a nail, he realizes what a mistake he made.
"in the store they can compare and see which OS is better"
Then Linux would have been flying out the door. It doesn't take more than 10 minutes to see what Linux is far more capable than Windows.
The fact that this is an announcement tells me that there were some incentives slid under the table here. Any other product discontinuation pretty much goes unnoticed. This one for some reason required an explanation. On top of that if sales were so bad they could have just removed the units and no one would have noticed anyway.
My my how we fail to think.
Then Linux would have been flying out the door. It doesn't take more than 10 minutes to see what Linux is far more capable than Windows.
The fact that this is an announcement tells me that there were some incentives slid under the table here. Any other product discontinuation pretty much goes unnoticed. This one for some reason required an explanation. On top of that if sales were so bad they could have just removed the units and no one would have noticed anyway.
My my how we fail to think.
To support your point:
Could anybody tell me why is the seller ditches
9% of its netbook sales in _this_ market?
Definitely the incentives are involved.
Note:
I use 9% since it is "less than 10%" and that
is what the article says.
I, for example, was not able to get Linux on my
netbook at the time of shopping even online
with the hardware that I wanted, hence I payed
for a WINDOWS netbook.
Happily running Debian.
Could anybody tell me why is the seller ditches
9% of its netbook sales in _this_ market?
Definitely the incentives are involved.
Note:
I use 9% since it is "less than 10%" and that
is what the article says.
I, for example, was not able to get Linux on my
netbook at the time of shopping even online
with the hardware that I wanted, hence I payed
for a WINDOWS netbook.
Happily running Debian.
They also do realize in many cases they are only getting a 4 or 8 GB SSD drive with that discount.
Did you mean:
They also do not realize in many cases they are only getting a 4 or 8 GB SSD drive with that discount.
Did you mean:
They also do not realize in many cases they are only getting a 4 or 8 GB SSD drive with that discount.
Online retails can usually just drop ship an item from the manufacturing warehouse, or order it from the manufacturer at the time of sale.
Brick and mortal retailers have to stock that which their consumers are purchasing, as they have a finite amount of space, and cash for stocking purposes
Of course another explanation could be that with less availability of netbooks with Linux in stores, people interested in it had no choice but to buy online
That is likely a "dead-on" assesment.
Brick and mortal retailers have to stock that which their consumers are purchasing, as they have a finite amount of space, and cash for stocking purposes
Of course another explanation could be that with less availability of netbooks with Linux in stores, people interested in it had no choice but to buy online
That is likely a "dead-on" assesment.
I purchased 2 Dell Laptops running Ubuntu online because no Stores were selling them.
Some Stores are selling Ubuntu-Linux Desktops, Microcenter in Ohio, for example.
The down-side to a Store selling Linux PCs is it's a "Buy and Goodbye" deal. A Linux user no longer needs the Store to purchase Software, Anti-Virus, Spyware, Games, etc.
And YES, most sales personal are Not knowledgeable about the many Advantages of Linux, either by design or lack of education.
Some Stores are selling Ubuntu-Linux Desktops, Microcenter in Ohio, for example.
The down-side to a Store selling Linux PCs is it's a "Buy and Goodbye" deal. A Linux user no longer needs the Store to purchase Software, Anti-Virus, Spyware, Games, etc.
And YES, most sales personal are Not knowledgeable about the many Advantages of Linux, either by design or lack of education.
Ultimately, Linux is great for the consumer, i.e. something for which most retailers will have a rough time making a profit. Historically, PCs (at least desktops) and printers have usually been sold as loss leaders; profit is made on selling the "required" software, printer cables, ink, maintenance contracts, etc. I have read that 90% of the software bought for a PC is bought in the first 18 months. I'm betting that most new PC owners buy several of the following within that period:
Microsoft Office
Anti Virus App
Anti Spyware App
Software FIrewall App
Norton Utilities or similar
Quicken or similar
Turbo Tax or similar
PrintShop or similar
Some games
Check this out:
CNET: Antivirus dominates PC application sales chart
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13846_3-10069658-62.html
Nothing listed is required, or available, under Linux. No sales to the retailer.
So Linux will have to survive in spite of lack of retailer support, or they need a new busiless model.
...the actual computer is just one item, then you wander around and all those only too willing to help sales guys recomend other software.
So totally agree with what you said, with Linux the additional software is almost always free so no extra profit for the store.
So totally agree with what you said, with Linux the additional software is almost always free so no extra profit for the store.
all flavors need to come together and make one really good Linux OS 2 Version Home and Server.
All flavors need to come together as one, then and only then will Linux gain massive grounds.
Untile then, they will always be way behind, until MS makes thier own version of Linux.
All flavors need to come together as one, then and only then will Linux gain massive grounds.
Untile then, they will always be way behind, until MS makes thier own version of Linux.
"Carr also pointed out that, while there was a great deal of buzz around Windows 7, this week's Computex show in Taiwan included many manufacturers showing off new Linux-based netbooks and smartbooks."
Didn't your fellow blogger Dana Blankenhorn just post an article saying that he couldn't find *any* Linux consumer products at Computex?
http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=4311
This goes to the heart of the problem: there's a sense of extreme denial of reality in the Linux camp that comes from a fundamental disconnect between the Linux supporter and the end user. The Linux supporter keeps trotting out 'advantages' that no one (other than Linux fans) really cares about and not listening to what the end user *wants*.
When that results in failure, it's always one of three causes:
- The consumer is stupid. Well, maybe - but they ARE the customer. You build what they want, not what you think they should want. Welcome to the joys of freemarket capitalism. Arguing that the customer is wrong because they don't want to use the software YOU think they should in order to use the operating system YOU think they should be using is actually stupid.
- It's Microsoft's fault in some hard to explain way. Usually this entails some weird conspiracy wherein Microsoft is going to everyone's home and tasering people if they're not using Windows. ('On Wednesday, Canonical spokesman Gerry Carr said Microsoft had "the distribution, connections and relationships in place" to ensure Windows dominance in retail stores..."')
- It's the Media's fault for not supporting them. Actually, the press does seem to favour Linux - it's just that they like Apple a LOT more. They generally *hate* Microsoft.
The ONLY group the Linux fans cannot ever blame are themselves, it seems. Typical of a group who believe they have 'The One True Way'. Here's a thought - stop making this into a war *against* Microsoft and instead learn how to compete by building products that are compelling and attractive to the end user.
And by 'end user' I mean people who walk into Best Buy looking for a laptop - not other Linux fans.
Didn't your fellow blogger Dana Blankenhorn just post an article saying that he couldn't find *any* Linux consumer products at Computex?
http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=4311
This goes to the heart of the problem: there's a sense of extreme denial of reality in the Linux camp that comes from a fundamental disconnect between the Linux supporter and the end user. The Linux supporter keeps trotting out 'advantages' that no one (other than Linux fans) really cares about and not listening to what the end user *wants*.
When that results in failure, it's always one of three causes:
- The consumer is stupid. Well, maybe - but they ARE the customer. You build what they want, not what you think they should want. Welcome to the joys of freemarket capitalism. Arguing that the customer is wrong because they don't want to use the software YOU think they should in order to use the operating system YOU think they should be using is actually stupid.
- It's Microsoft's fault in some hard to explain way. Usually this entails some weird conspiracy wherein Microsoft is going to everyone's home and tasering people if they're not using Windows. ('On Wednesday, Canonical spokesman Gerry Carr said Microsoft had "the distribution, connections and relationships in place" to ensure Windows dominance in retail stores..."')
- It's the Media's fault for not supporting them. Actually, the press does seem to favour Linux - it's just that they like Apple a LOT more. They generally *hate* Microsoft.
The ONLY group the Linux fans cannot ever blame are themselves, it seems. Typical of a group who believe they have 'The One True Way'. Here's a thought - stop making this into a war *against* Microsoft and instead learn how to compete by building products that are compelling and attractive to the end user.
And by 'end user' I mean people who walk into Best Buy looking for a laptop - not other Linux fans.
There were three Android based netbooks announced from Computex from Acer, Asus and ECS I believe it was. Android is Linux.
What you have failed to disclose in your rant it exactly what it is that the user wants that Linux does not have. If its a green start button then they can keep it. Aside from that it does more of what people want than Windows does. People want plug and play...Linux does that while Windows often requires you to pop in a CD. People want to be free of viruses..Linux 2 Windows 0. People appear to want to be able to get their apps from an app market type of system....Linux 3 Windows 0.
The only thing you can reply with is wanting to run their Windows applications. Even though thats a issue for software vendors Linux even does that as well....Linux 4 Windows 0.
Your final argument will be games....Linux 4 Windows 1. So as I've said before...Windows is a great niche gaming OS and it shows because the only place it seems to work well is on the Xbox.
What you have failed to disclose in your rant it exactly what it is that the user wants that Linux does not have. If its a green start button then they can keep it. Aside from that it does more of what people want than Windows does. People want plug and play...Linux does that while Windows often requires you to pop in a CD. People want to be free of viruses..Linux 2 Windows 0. People appear to want to be able to get their apps from an app market type of system....Linux 3 Windows 0.
The only thing you can reply with is wanting to run their Windows applications. Even though thats a issue for software vendors Linux even does that as well....Linux 4 Windows 0.
Your final argument will be games....Linux 4 Windows 1. So as I've said before...Windows is a great niche gaming OS and it shows because the only place it seems to work well is on the Xbox.
Then there's market share.
Windows 90
Linux 1
Percentage-wise, that is.
Windows 90
Linux 1
Percentage-wise, that is.
see below, approach with an open mind tho.
^o^
^o^
Linux would fly out the door. But when the US market is *98%* Windows, and Linux started out with 100% of the market less than two years ago...
Linux lost. Badly. By itself. This wasn't about unfair MS advantage, Linux had the whole darn field. And yet an 8 year-old XP walked in and suddenly nobody wanted Linux anymore.
Fact is, the typical user *DOES* *NOT* *CARE* if the OS is Linux, OS X, Windows or blue cheese dressing.
They want it to run the applications they already paid good money for. They want to be able to walk in a store, buy an application, insert the CD and have it load on their computer.
They don't want applications they've never heard of, they want the applications *they already use*.
Linux can't do that, Wine be damned. When the typical user can't find the Start button because it doesn't say "Start" anymore, you know consistency is king and (most) users are computer-illiterate. They need to be led by the hand and educated about any changes.
Linux can't handle those kind of users. Which, for better or worse, make up the majority of the computer buying public.
Bottom line? If it doesn't sell stores won't carry it.
Linux lost. Badly. By itself. This wasn't about unfair MS advantage, Linux had the whole darn field. And yet an 8 year-old XP walked in and suddenly nobody wanted Linux anymore.
Fact is, the typical user *DOES* *NOT* *CARE* if the OS is Linux, OS X, Windows or blue cheese dressing.
They want it to run the applications they already paid good money for. They want to be able to walk in a store, buy an application, insert the CD and have it load on their computer.
They don't want applications they've never heard of, they want the applications *they already use*.
Linux can't do that, Wine be damned. When the typical user can't find the Start button because it doesn't say "Start" anymore, you know consistency is king and (most) users are computer-illiterate. They need to be led by the hand and educated about any changes.
Linux can't handle those kind of users. Which, for better or worse, make up the majority of the computer buying public.
Bottom line? If it doesn't sell stores won't carry it.
Linux has it's place-to be sure but as someone who used many versions (distros) over 7 plus years I found way too many aggravations to ever actually promote it for mainstream use. I was once a fan and spent a great deal of time at the ubuntu and other forums as a helper.
When I was last at the ubuntu forums a mod there actually said people should use xp until they could afford to buy a system with linux pre-installed. That has to be an acknowledgment that they couldn't create a system that the average computer user could successfully install.
With all the bad press vista received it would have been valid to think that linux might have capitalized on that negative media frenzy but it didn't happen as far as anyone can tell. In fact windows 7 (which I'm using now) has more than made up for vista's faults.
I sometimes still look at linux distros. I would like to find a distro that fully supported my laptop but as werewolf stated the problems with linux are always someone else's fault so those problems won't be addressed by the linux community or if they are it will be a very piecemeal and incomplete response.
I know linux fans can dispute all that-I was a fan once too-but I decided I didn't want to work on computer issues everyday-some days I just need the computer to work for me.
As the creator of mepis linux recently said the year of the linux desktop is never going to happen.
When I was last at the ubuntu forums a mod there actually said people should use xp until they could afford to buy a system with linux pre-installed. That has to be an acknowledgment that they couldn't create a system that the average computer user could successfully install.
With all the bad press vista received it would have been valid to think that linux might have capitalized on that negative media frenzy but it didn't happen as far as anyone can tell. In fact windows 7 (which I'm using now) has more than made up for vista's faults.
I sometimes still look at linux distros. I would like to find a distro that fully supported my laptop but as werewolf stated the problems with linux are always someone else's fault so those problems won't be addressed by the linux community or if they are it will be a very piecemeal and incomplete response.
I know linux fans can dispute all that-I was a fan once too-but I decided I didn't want to work on computer issues everyday-some days I just need the computer to work for me.
As the creator of mepis linux recently said the year of the linux desktop is never going to happen.
it is NOT easier to share content on windows... unless you actually like DRM restrictions on everything you play.
it's useless to say "Linux needs to do this and that to be more attractive to consumers". actually, the people who write Linux do it for free, out of the goodness of their heart, NOT to make money. that fact alone ensures that free software will eventually beat micro$oft sooner or later.
MS windows is complete crap, and the only thing this article proves is that linux is not quite easy enough for the brain-dead windows crowd to use... YET. but like i said thats only a matter of time
it's useless to say "Linux needs to do this and that to be more attractive to consumers". actually, the people who write Linux do it for free, out of the goodness of their heart, NOT to make money. that fact alone ensures that free software will eventually beat micro$oft sooner or later.
MS windows is complete crap, and the only thing this article proves is that linux is not quite easy enough for the brain-dead windows crowd to use... YET. but like i said thats only a matter of time
"actually, the people who write Linux do it for free, out of the goodness of their heart, NOT to make money. that fact alone ensures that free software will eventually beat micro$oft sooner or later."
Um, why?
Because the Linux geeks are pure of heart? Because Linux is David to MS's Goliath? Because Linux evangalists have the persuasive power of an angry skunk?
It is not and never has been about the operating system. The vast majority do not care if the OS was created by shining paragons of programming virtue.
Instead they want *all* their millions of weird Windows applications--good, bad, and absolutely horrible--to run on the computer they buy. They don't care about the OS, they want the *applications*. ALL of them.
Firefox isn't enough. GIMP is worthless (in this context). Tetris is good, but all the Linux games aren't enough. Flash isn't enough, and Wine falls on its face more often than not.
Until Linux runs Windows applications with *at least* the fidelity of Vista right out of the box, it's a non-starter as the successor to Windows.
People don't care about viruses, they want their porn. People don't care about stability, they want that oddball cross-stitch pattern maker. People don't care about kernel efficiency, they want Family Tree Maker so they can keep all that data they've been collecting for the last five years.
They. Do. Not. Care. About. Operating. Systems.
Until the Linux community understands that, Linux will go nowhere, it will never be the Year Of Linux.
Which doesn't bother the true fans of the OS in the least. They know the virtues of their chosen platform. And for them, it's enough.
Linux wasn't designed to defeat Windows. It can't. Linux Torvalds never wanted to try. He just wanted his own version of Unix. That's all.
He succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. But Linux is not and never will be The One True OS(tm).
No matter how hard you wish otherwise, Linux won't take over the world.
Um, why?
Because the Linux geeks are pure of heart? Because Linux is David to MS's Goliath? Because Linux evangalists have the persuasive power of an angry skunk?
It is not and never has been about the operating system. The vast majority do not care if the OS was created by shining paragons of programming virtue.
Instead they want *all* their millions of weird Windows applications--good, bad, and absolutely horrible--to run on the computer they buy. They don't care about the OS, they want the *applications*. ALL of them.
Firefox isn't enough. GIMP is worthless (in this context). Tetris is good, but all the Linux games aren't enough. Flash isn't enough, and Wine falls on its face more often than not.
Until Linux runs Windows applications with *at least* the fidelity of Vista right out of the box, it's a non-starter as the successor to Windows.
People don't care about viruses, they want their porn. People don't care about stability, they want that oddball cross-stitch pattern maker. People don't care about kernel efficiency, they want Family Tree Maker so they can keep all that data they've been collecting for the last five years.
They. Do. Not. Care. About. Operating. Systems.
Until the Linux community understands that, Linux will go nowhere, it will never be the Year Of Linux.
Which doesn't bother the true fans of the OS in the least. They know the virtues of their chosen platform. And for them, it's enough.
Linux wasn't designed to defeat Windows. It can't. Linux Torvalds never wanted to try. He just wanted his own version of Unix. That's all.
He succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. But Linux is not and never will be The One True OS(tm).
No matter how hard you wish otherwise, Linux won't take over the world.
Not very long ago, SUVs were far and away the most popular category of automobile; they have power, luxury, all kinds of features and options. Just over two years ago we were told that "The American car buyer cares more about cupholders than gas mileage".
Probably true, because the average car buyer hasn't been very smart.
Now, GM, and Chrysler are bankrupt because they couldn't figure out how to make a profit on a fuel efficient vehicle. Things have changed a lot in the car industry. Could be that the Windows PC of 2009 is in the same position as the SUV of 2006; about to be downsized.
"The future belongs to the efficient".
Probably true, because the average car buyer hasn't been very smart.
Now, GM, and Chrysler are bankrupt because they couldn't figure out how to make a profit on a fuel efficient vehicle. Things have changed a lot in the car industry. Could be that the Windows PC of 2009 is in the same position as the SUV of 2006; about to be downsized.
"The future belongs to the efficient".
Why do you FEAR Linux?
Keep Paying Big Money to Micro$oft for their "Junk" software, that is Full of Holes & Leaks Before it gets released.
Linux was NOT designed to Defeat Windows.
Linux WAS Designed for those with a desire to learn, help others and have a useful O.S. Different from Windo$e.
"Freedom and Choice is Good", which is one statement you will Never hear from M$ or Bill Gates!
Signed, an Ubuntu 9.04 Linux Lover.
Keep Paying Big Money to Micro$oft for their "Junk" software, that is Full of Holes & Leaks Before it gets released.
Linux was NOT designed to Defeat Windows.
Linux WAS Designed for those with a desire to learn, help others and have a useful O.S. Different from Windo$e.
"Freedom and Choice is Good", which is one statement you will Never hear from M$ or Bill Gates!
Signed, an Ubuntu 9.04 Linux Lover.
1st, it Linus Torvalds, not Linux.
2nd, check out these links:
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://distrowatch.com/
http://linuxcentral.com/_v3/
2nd, check out these links:
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://distrowatch.com/
http://linuxcentral.com/_v3/
"it is NOT easier to share content on windows... unless you actually like DRM restrictions on everything you play."
You sure? I'm able to broadcast my content over the internet onto my laptop from my home PC.
The only DRM encryption going on is between your Blu-Ray/DVD player and your video adapter. Making sure the path is protected.
Not really rocket science, is it?
You sure? I'm able to broadcast my content over the internet onto my laptop from my home PC.
The only DRM encryption going on is between your Blu-Ray/DVD player and your video adapter. Making sure the path is protected.
Not really rocket science, is it?
Ya, sure, right- it is just about usability:
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/05/28/1938216
They have a lovely business model:
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39639379,00.htm
And these are both incidents in the last couple of weeks
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/05/28/1938216
They have a lovely business model:
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39639379,00.htm
And these are both incidents in the last couple of weeks
Simply put, they prefer Windows. Its just that simple.
It would be interesting to see what Linux netbooks were pulled from stores.... Were these Intel Atom based netbooks or ARM based netbooks? I know Canonical is working hard to improve the Linux experience, but I would say the first Linux netbook products still do not have all the bugs worked out...
It would also be interesting to see how old the Linux netbooks were.... Most retailers are waiting for the ARM based netbooks and smartbooks which provide less wait, longer battery life than the Atom equivalent.
Even when ARM based netbooks/smartbooks become available... Will people go with weight and better battery life and a lesser cost, or full functionality at 2X the cost with Microsoft....
It would be good if Microsoft 7 could work on both platforms....
It would also be interesting to see how old the Linux netbooks were.... Most retailers are waiting for the ARM based netbooks and smartbooks which provide less wait, longer battery life than the Atom equivalent.
Even when ARM based netbooks/smartbooks become available... Will people go with weight and better battery life and a lesser cost, or full functionality at 2X the cost with Microsoft....
It would be good if Microsoft 7 could work on both platforms....
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