Microsoft may get bit by Linux

As always, this is written from the view as a consumer and not that of a computer knowledgeable geek. If I haven’t introduced my self-depicted title yet…



I’m SierraNightTide and I’m a geekhag. If you’re offended by that title, you’re not a geek. But that’s okay, because this isn‘t about me, it about Linux finally receiving the recognition it deserves outside the technology consumer enhanced community. Brand loyalty is a cutthroat maneuver to ensure company’s products are seen, heard and bought and companies are finally listening to what customers want.

Unless you had your mouse pointing the wrong way and figured this out through Tech Support than I can safely assume you have at least heard of Linux.

Linux Summary.

Much like Linus from the comic strip Peanuts, Linus Torvalds, a Finland Unversity student created a simplified computer operating system based on Unix. With additional assistance from a variety of sources including Richard Stallman of The Free Software Foundation, he spent several weeks in his room and rarely leaving it (true fact) developing and fine-tuning the system. Linux is available for anyone to use, modify, and redistribute freely and many developers and programmers love it because they can go in and make changes more easily than with a commercial program such as Microsoft.

Note: Servers (Computers that share resources (applications, files, etc.) with other computers (ie, clients) on a network. )

It’s said that servers are where Linux has really shown their value. Large servers are expensive because that is where all of your information is held. In other words if your computer crashes (dies) you still have recent copies of documents saved on the Server. For a small business or even a “work at home” entrepreneur the start up and set up costs is a mighty bite. Even though people have come to realize that they can use a spare desktop as a server, and have saved thousands and even millions, it’s a delicate system that only people who know what they’re doing (most of the time) should look at let alone make any changes.

I have no doubt that there are numerous additional reasons I could name why Linux is better, but I would need a IT Degree and about 300 hours of computer programming frustrations. What is happening though is that companies are now unfolding their arms in brat like fashion and realizing that people want Linux. Comparing Linux to Windows

Sun Microsystems gave in and offered single processor desktop computers a Linux OS back in 2003 and IBM made a huge investment into Linux as well. Earlier this year Dell the No. 2 computer maker introduced IdeaStorm where customers told Dell what they want. The most popular customer offered request was that Dell should offer pre-installed Linux on their computers. So many people agreed and supported this idea that on March 28th Dell confirmed that they will offer the Linux OS option.

On DesktopLinux confirmed that Ubuntu 7.04 has been selected. New machines will start shipping by the end of May and will cost approximately $408 for an e-series box without a monitor. In addition, Four XPS (Xtreme Performance System) machines will also have the option of pre-installed Linux, as will three e-series laptops.

For the average consumer Linux is better because it is more stable, it requires less computer resources, is said to have more security in prevention of viruses and your computer is less likely to crash. All of which are common complaints among the average computer user.

What will be interesting to watch for is how will the competition respond? If you’re a geek or a geekhag like me how will Microsoft compete with Dell? Will Dell be a challenge and do any real damage to MS? Pre-installed Linux (and non-installed Windows) is going to hit them where the sun doesn’t shine. If Dell and Ubuntu can convince consumers that Open Office can be a ‘just as good’ substitute for MS Office, it can't be good for Microsoft.



Resistance Is Futile