Comments on: The Linux Window of Opportunity Has Closed, Maybe for Good http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good News and views on today's hottest laptops, cell phones, and other mobile devices. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:25:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: bdeblase http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-6811 bdeblase Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:28:29 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-6811 Although xp gave windows a great operating system, it aint the only one. When vista came out it was a step back from xp. seems programs wouldnt run on it or would not run portions of it. Linux has the challange of its life now, it can make the top if vista isnt reparied soon. about now redhat, suse, mandrake, and other top linux contenders should be seing that thier versions of shareware are out there in a live cd/dvd. Most stores carry the commercial version but anyone thought of putting out a free one and getting linux out there? most people never heard of linux (shudder the thought). its good but as long as its just Windoz and Mac in the stores no one is going to pay attenetion to it.. I myself love linux. I mention it to everyone.. even get them to try the live cd/dvd. I myself have given away lots of them for people to try. only way linux is going to die is if we are the only ones that know about it. Although xp gave windows a great operating system, it aint the only one. When vista came out it was a step back from xp. seems programs wouldnt run on it or would not run portions of it. Linux has the challange of its life now, it can make the top if vista isnt reparied soon. about now redhat, suse, mandrake, and other top linux contenders should be seing that thier versions of shareware are out there in a live cd/dvd. Most stores carry the commercial version but anyone thought of putting out a free one and getting linux out there? most people never heard of linux (shudder the thought). its good but as long as its just Windoz and Mac in the stores no one is going to pay attenetion to it.. I myself love linux. I mention it to everyone.. even get them to try the live cd/dvd. I myself have given away lots of them for people to try. only way linux is going to die is if we are the only ones that know about it.

]]> By: Justin N http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2266 Justin N Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:17:18 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2266 Linux is not dead as a desktop OS as long as there are those who use it. You're right- many people out there don't want to switch operating systems as long as XP does what it's supposed to. Okay. Fine with me. Just don't expect me to fix your computer twice. But I use Linux as a desktop OS every day, so does my wife, and so do many of my friends. I know of at least one Eee user who was so impressed with the little box that she went dual-boot on her desktop, and this summer she's asked me to take said desktop and convert it to full Linux. (As long as I can keep World of Warcraft playing.) There is no "window of opportunity." The community will live on, and will grow as it has always grown- slowly but surely, by word of mouth, with patient volunteer support, gaining a fed-up Microserf here and a physics geek there. I honestly don't care if Linux is ever *mainstream*. We've opened the doors to the Microsoft jail. We're waiting just outside with a detailed, foolproof escape plan. But the USER must take the first step outside that prison. You can't force freedom at the end of a gun, and, unfortunately, there will always be some who prefer comfortable subservience to difficult independence. Just remember, all of you- when you get tired of the BSoD, when your CD's and DVD's won't play anymore, when you're shelling out yet another $400 for the latest and greatest flashiness that runs at half the speed and looks like something I've had on my desktop for two years... we're still waiting for you. We'll still help you. The door is still open- all you have to do is walk through. Linux is not dead as a desktop OS as long as there are those who use it. You’re right- many people out there don’t want to switch operating systems as long as XP does what it’s supposed to. Okay. Fine with me. Just don’t expect me to fix your computer twice. But I use Linux as a desktop OS every day, so does my wife, and so do many of my friends. I know of at least one Eee user who was so impressed with the little box that she went dual-boot on her desktop, and this summer she’s asked me to take said desktop and convert it to full Linux. (As long as I can keep World of Warcraft playing.)
There is no “window of opportunity.” The community will live on, and will grow as it has always grown- slowly but surely, by word of mouth, with patient volunteer support, gaining a fed-up Microserf here and a physics geek there.
I honestly don’t care if Linux is ever *mainstream*. We’ve opened the doors to the Microsoft jail. We’re waiting just outside with a detailed, foolproof escape plan. But the USER must take the first step outside that prison. You can’t force freedom at the end of a gun, and, unfortunately, there will always be some who prefer comfortable subservience to difficult independence. Just remember, all of you- when you get tired of the BSoD, when your CD’s and DVD’s won’t play anymore, when you’re shelling out yet another $400 for the latest and greatest flashiness that runs at half the speed and looks like something I’ve had on my desktop for two years… we’re still waiting for you. We’ll still help you. The door is still open- all you have to do is walk through.

]]> By: One-eared Gundark http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2217 One-eared Gundark Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:11:25 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2217 I've been using Linux in various distros for about five years (currently using Debian Etch). One thing that's bugged me is the tendency for some people to use "M$" when referring to Microsoft or to spell Windows as "Windoze". Use MS for Microsoft, but don't stick that $ in there. That style of posting reflects badly on the Linux community - a community that by and large is very professional. This language tends to put off some people who may be willing to give Linux a shot, but are concerned about support. These postings come off as elitist, discouraging potential new users. This is not just my opinion, I have been told by friends that after cruising the forums, they are afraid to post help questions for fear of getting flamed. Usually, this results in them sticking with Windows and having a tainted view of Linux users in general. This type of posting isn't limited to Linux forums. mind you, but let's try to lift ourselves above the "fanboy" mentality. Let's try to be better. If I want to read flames and fanboy talk, I'll visit the Mac and Windows forums. I’ve been using Linux in various distros for about five years (currently using Debian Etch).

One thing that’s bugged me is the tendency for some people to use “M$” when referring to Microsoft or to spell Windows as “Windoze”. Use MS for Microsoft, but don’t stick that $ in there. That style of posting reflects badly on the Linux community – a community that by and large is very professional. This language tends to put off some people who may be willing to give Linux a shot, but are concerned about support. These postings come off as elitist, discouraging potential new users. This is not just my opinion, I have been told by friends that after cruising the forums, they are afraid to post help questions for fear of getting flamed. Usually, this results in them sticking with Windows and having a tainted view of Linux users in general.

This type of posting isn’t limited to Linux forums. mind you, but let’s try to lift ourselves above the “fanboy” mentality. Let’s try to be better. If I want to read flames and fanboy talk, I’ll visit the Mac and Windows forums.

]]> By: zaine_ridling http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2152 zaine_ridling Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:09:05 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2152 I replaced Vista with Linux Mint last year (http://www.thegsblog.com/?p=201) and haven't looked back. In fact, I haven't had this much fun on the desktop since Win95. Unless someone drops many billions on a sustained Red Hat-like 'Global Desktop' project for a few years, Linux will continue to be coded first for the enterprise, and we users will take it from there and build desktop environments around it. However, I wish people would install their own distros and stop reviewing the crap by Dell, et al. Dell puts Ubuntu on machines made for the year 2001, and they're lame. On top of that, you don't get a price discount for not having to buy Windows with the machine. To answer your question: Linux on the desktop has been ready: http://www.thegsblog.com/?p=229 I replaced Vista with Linux Mint last year (http://www.thegsblog.com/?p=201) and haven’t looked back. In fact, I haven’t had this much fun on the desktop since Win95. Unless someone drops many billions on a sustained Red Hat-like ‘Global Desktop’ project for a few years, Linux will continue to be coded first for the enterprise, and we users will take it from there and build desktop environments around it.

However, I wish people would install their own distros and stop reviewing the crap by Dell, et al. Dell puts Ubuntu on machines made for the year 2001, and they’re lame. On top of that, you don’t get a price discount for not having to buy Windows with the machine. To answer your question: Linux on the desktop has been ready:
http://www.thegsblog.com/?p=229

]]> By: Cyberbard http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2081 Cyberbard Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:59:46 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2081 It's *possible* that Linux has lost it's chance at the desktop market... this time. Given that the desktop market is constantly changing, saying that the window of opportunity has "closed for good" is pretty silly. Microsoft may have made a base hit with Vista, but only just. That's the result of their marketing power; not the product itself. The next time the desktop market shifts - and it will - Linux will have another shot, and by the law of averages, some day Mr. Penguin will hit a home run. Also consider that the desktop is where Microsoft *must* maintain control, because in the other major niches - servers and routers - the Open Source gang already has a solid foothold. Linux's uneasy ally, FreeBSD, has been a major contender in that arena for a long time. Microsoft has some hold in the server market, but from what my IT friends have told me, it's tenuous. That being said, I personally think this "war" has already been decided. Open Source is an opponent that Microsoft isn't equipped to fight, and it shows. Microsoft is driven by large profits and overwhelming market share, while Open Source is grassroots in nature, and is driven by choice, flexibility, and individual creativity. Microsoft goes after competitors with a chainsaw. You can't easily cut grass with a chainsaw! Given their business model, it's unlikely that Microsoft will be able to change before they fall on hard times. They might spring back, but institutional inertia is hard to overcome. The uneasy alliance of Linux and FreeBSD has demonstrated that Microsoft's monopoly *can* be broken, and in fact already has. For me, the big remaining question is weather Microsoft falls like a Colossis, or slowly cracks and crumbles away. Either way, the outcome is clear. And articles like this one are the desperate rantings of someone in serious denial. === PS: I referred to Linux and FreeBSD having an uneasy alliance. I say that because the two camps have a deep running dislike of one another, but so far they've both been pragmatic enough to work against their common enemy. I hope they can remain cordial after their common enemy has been vanquished. It’s *possible* that Linux has lost it’s chance at the desktop market… this time. Given that the desktop market is constantly changing, saying that the window of opportunity has “closed for good” is pretty silly. Microsoft may have made a base hit with Vista, but only just. That’s the result of their marketing power; not the product itself. The next time the desktop market shifts – and it will – Linux will have another shot, and by the law of averages, some day Mr. Penguin will hit a home run.

Also consider that the desktop is where Microsoft *must* maintain control, because in the other major niches – servers and routers – the Open Source gang already has a solid foothold. Linux’s uneasy ally, FreeBSD, has been a major contender in that arena for a long time. Microsoft has some hold in the server market, but from what my IT friends have told me, it’s tenuous.

That being said, I personally think this “war” has already been decided. Open Source is an opponent that Microsoft isn’t equipped to fight, and it shows. Microsoft is driven by large profits and overwhelming market share, while Open Source is grassroots in nature, and is driven by choice, flexibility, and individual creativity. Microsoft goes after competitors with a chainsaw. You can’t easily cut grass with a chainsaw!

Given their business model, it’s unlikely that Microsoft will be able to change before they fall on hard times. They might spring back, but institutional inertia is hard to overcome. The uneasy alliance of Linux and FreeBSD has demonstrated that Microsoft’s monopoly *can* be broken, and in fact already has. For me, the big remaining question is weather Microsoft falls like a Colossis, or slowly cracks and crumbles away. Either way, the outcome is clear.

And articles like this one are the desperate rantings of someone in serious denial.

===

PS: I referred to Linux and FreeBSD having an uneasy alliance. I say that because the two camps have a deep running dislike of one another, but so far they’ve both been pragmatic enough to work against their common enemy. I hope they can remain cordial after their common enemy has been vanquished.

]]> By: blackbelt_jones http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2079 blackbelt_jones Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:46:27 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2079 Check out those crazy poll results! Has Linux failed as a consumer desktop OS? Yes 15.29% 110 Votes No 84.70% 609 Votes It begs the question: Why is the world so out of touch with Mark Spoonauer? Check out those crazy poll results!

Has Linux failed as a consumer desktop OS?

Yes 15.29%
110 Votes

No 84.70%
609 Votes

It begs the question: Why is the world so out of touch with Mark Spoonauer?

]]> By: K- Alec. http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2049 K- Alec. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:09:52 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2049 This article has a definite M$ bias from someone who is clearly not in the know. How is it that one cannot downgrade a Vista system (HP Acer Dell ) to an older MS version, but something such as Ubuntu - generally works out of the box without a BIOS modification. Working daily in desktop publishing, web programming , graphic and video editing has taught me to ignore such -- FUD--. I simply save on my overhead with my linux systems , pass on savings to my clients - and further generate a broader client base. This article has a definite M$ bias from someone who is clearly not in the know.

How is it that one cannot downgrade a Vista system (HP Acer Dell ) to an older MS version,
but something such as Ubuntu – generally works out of the box without a BIOS modification.

Working daily in desktop publishing, web programming , graphic and video editing has taught me to ignore such — FUD–. I simply save on my overhead with my linux systems , pass on savings to my clients – and further generate a broader client base.

]]> By: Valsa http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-2029 Valsa Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:55:22 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-2029 Linux has always played catching up for desktops and we know that Windows is King of the Desktops. However, Linux has the opportunity to be the default OS on the low cost laptop and Mobile Internet Devices for sure, because it can be customised to a smaller footprint and of course add to the low cost aspect. Linux is now very robust and user friendly. The Asus eeePC UI is proof that a non technical person can use Linux easily. And it is a fully Internet capable machine, no short cuts or limited access that sells for $350. An XP version of Asus eeePc will always be more expensive and what about future licence updates & upgrades that torment the current XP user ? Linux has always played catching up for desktops and we know that Windows is King of the Desktops. However, Linux has the opportunity to be the default OS on the low cost laptop and Mobile Internet Devices for sure, because it can be customised to a smaller footprint and of course add to the low cost aspect. Linux is now very robust and user friendly. The Asus eeePC UI is proof that a non technical person can use Linux easily. And it is a fully Internet capable machine, no short cuts or limited access that sells for $350. An XP version of Asus eeePc will always be more expensive and what about future licence updates & upgrades that torment the current XP user ?

]]> By: UrbLege http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-1958 UrbLege Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:23:55 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-1958 @ Bradford (i sure u r work for LapTopMags) and Biased / dis-honest Blogger Mark Spoonauer well after reading ur full Blah Blah reply in comments u want to say that linux not yet ready for the mass which i agree with u ( but remember not yet ready - it will be ready later) . but why do u believe that its now or never . if Linux cant succed this year it will never succed in future. is it becoz ur r a Micro$oft's paid Blogger ( i know u will deny it ). that does not matter .but plz think logically using bias and intentionally mis-guiding user is not good for ur mags in future runs . sooner or later people will know ur lieing . ur reputation will be reduce. be honest . though u already knows this but writting for the other user. lets discuss why Linux will not survive : 1> as u says in ur comments in comments No. 46 "Linux is a very solid, secure and robust OS." why do u think Linux is very Solid and Robust then why i will never succed . and is that is good for mankind ( as u says in the title) or its good for U and ur Boss Micro$oft. 2> u did not mention in which web site u see preinstall Linux notebook /desktop not selling well . r u really see it or its just a fake info mis-guide ur reader ???? !!!!! 3> XP was going the dead on 2008 june . but what happend , why Micro$oft want to put back a aged OS and give then new Life when Vista is her . becoz Micro$oft was fritent of Linux Grouth . 4> u did not mention one vital thing . Market Future prediction does not use any current market share . it use the grouth rate of the product to predict a future . dont tell me that u dont know that . Linux desktop Market share is growing . it needs time . nothing can be done over night ps. by telling biased and wrong information u will never got what u want but u will definitely lossing ur reader trust . now its up to u what u want ur Reader Trust or Micro$oft's Money. bye @ Bradford (i sure u r work for LapTopMags)
and Biased / dis-honest Blogger Mark Spoonauer

well after reading ur full Blah Blah reply in comments u want to say that linux not yet ready for the mass which i agree with u ( but remember not yet ready – it will be ready later) . but why do u believe that its now or never . if Linux cant succed this year it will never succed in future. is it becoz ur r a Micro$oft’s paid Blogger ( i know u will deny it ).
that does not matter .but plz think logically using bias and intentionally mis-guiding user is not good for ur mags in future runs . sooner or later people will know ur lieing . ur reputation will be reduce. be honest .

though u already knows this but writting for the other user.

lets discuss why Linux will not survive :

1> as u says in ur comments in comments No. 46 “Linux is a very solid, secure and robust OS.”

why do u think Linux is very Solid and Robust then why i will never succed . and is that is good for mankind ( as u says in the title) or its good for U and ur Boss Micro$oft.

2> u did not mention in which web site u see preinstall Linux notebook /desktop not selling well . r u really see it or its just a fake info mis-guide ur reader ???? !!!!!

3> XP was going the dead on 2008 june . but what happend , why Micro$oft want to put back a aged OS and give then new Life when Vista is her . becoz Micro$oft was fritent of Linux Grouth .

4> u did not mention one vital thing . Market Future prediction does not use any current market share . it use the grouth rate of the product to predict a future . dont tell me that u dont know that . Linux desktop Market share is growing . it needs time . nothing can be done over night

ps. by telling biased and wrong information u will never got what u want but u will definitely lossing ur reader trust . now its up to u what u want ur Reader Trust or Micro$oft’s Money. bye

]]> By: Kennon http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good/comment-page-2#comment-1932 Kennon Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:21:44 +0000 http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-linux-window-of-opportunity-has-closed-maybe-for-good#comment-1932 Amazing what trashy flamebait some people will write to generate traffic...lol ;-) Amazing what trashy flamebait some people will write to generate traffic…lol ;-)

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