Microsoft and Asus join forces to smother Linux

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Don't people have something better to do with their time instead of crying about how much they hate Microsoft? Perhaps spending only a fraction of this time on something more constructive, like helping your "cause" would benefit it more. Honestly, it reminds me of school yard kids. I guess people with such little intelligence don't have much to do anyway. Enjoy.
 
Asus will be back with Linux pc's- you just watch. This is a premptive strike before the Linux netbook floodgates open. Right ASUS is playing both sides of the fence in order to placate Microsoft. I realize this is two faced but making money in business these days if often less about integrity. As soon as Google Android, Intel Moblin and maybe hundreds of other co netbooks (including Nokia with Linux) hit the market things will start to change drastically. Microsoft will be forced to at certify at least that Open Office .odf is very compatible with Office. Change is coming in the next few years I believe. Proprietary always loses in the end- just look at history. From an Ubuntu netbook :) one of 5 Linux only pc's I own.
 
I'd be surprised to see Asus going Microsoft-only with their Eee line, but like many have pointed out, it's probably money talking with the bulk of their sales going towards Windows-equipped versions.

Rather than demonizing Windows on netbooks, I'd be more interested in watching Linux develop further in projects like Intel's Moblin. That is, going beyond the usable factor and more towards creating an integral experience for the user.
 
....am I the only one who is irked by "it's better with Windows"?"
Not at all. Goes right along with "What is the best xyz (hardware/software)?"
(ie: unqualified request as to criteria required).

Those with limited experience will at one time or another comment on one or the other.
 
for me it just means not considering asus when i buy a pc. I don't understand why OEM insist on MS and how the competition agencies do not investigate MS O&M contractcs and practices
 
I had a linux netbook at work. Stuck XP on it.

I can use the linux versions of notepad. and office. and internet explorer. or i can use the proper versions.

Personally I look forward to the reaction from Asus as their shares drop and they start releasing their boards a little cheaper, based on the reaction here.

Linux has come a long way since my friend showed off a dvd playing on it without menus or sound. He had spent about 3 months trying to get that working.

But still, I want a decent Operating system that works, has applications that are recognised in the industry and plays all my games. Its better with Windows.

Stuff netbooks anyway, I know plenty of people buying them for their kids with Windows XP Home on them.
 
I really do not like Asus Motherboards, they're too pricey. I used ECS (Elitegroup) check their website for linux compatible motherboards at http://www.ecs.com.tw/extra/event/intel/program0508.html
 
@Matthew: "... The article - and gripe - is that Windows isn't really necessary on a netbook ... We’re talking about a device that’s supposed to be used for core ‘Net access and other simple tasks. ... Netbooks are (or were) primarily low cost devices meant to be used on the run, mostly for email, basic web browsing etc. By introducing a commercial OS, you unnecessarily increase the cost of the device. ..."

I better understand the original point, but doubt the market for "netbooks" that are pared-down to the point where they are ONLY useful for the most basic of tasks is large enough for must of us to care about.

I don't see why Windows Starter Edition isn't cheap enough and appropriate enough for the type of netbooks that many people actually buy and use. Certainly, it's not cheaper than "free," but then it also adds the functionality, useablility, and familiarity that most people prefer to have.

The "netbook" definition has already changed to the point where you can't say "netbook" and have it automatically assumed to be a device pared-down to the point of being a one or two-trick pony. What USED to be little more than ridiculously oversized smart phones, but without the phone, are now full-fledged notebook computers, as evidenced by many griping about the "need" to have Aero, backgrounds, support for more memory, optical drive support, more than three apps running, et al.

Those people don't want a TRUE netbook, they want a tiny, cheap notebook, and most of them will be happier with Windows on it. (Gahh! I'm rambling -- More Caffeine!)
 
I regretted buying that Asus motherboard and I certainly regretted buying that Asus wireless NIC that wouldn't work in that board under any OS. Now I'm regretting it all the more. I may get rid of this Asus board as soon as I can.
 
Originally posted by jwdR1:
Anyone with half a brain will buy the Windows version then put their favorite Linux distro (plug Mepis here) on it.
There is a problem with that. Most people don't know how to install a new OS.

Originally posted by jwdR1:
The version of Linux ASUS puts on their Eee's works great until you try to update it then you end up in dependency hell so you’re better off replacing it anyway.
This is why people stick with Windows. Most people know how to use it. And they don't have to worry about how unpolished the OS is. If Linux wants to be serious in the consumer market, they have to cut this dependency hell crap out, and get rid of command line config for half the stuff in the OS.

Just think of it this way: can I configure everything in my system via a GUI?

A) No - then you have just created a massive barrier to entry for most people and given a great reason for people to retail MS OSs.
 
Originally posted by jwdR1:
There is a problem with that. Most people don't know how to install a new OS..
Ubuntu will install with a dozen or so clicks. Realistically, if you can't install it, you might not be able to install Windows either
[Just think of it this way: can I configure everything in my system via a GUI?
I actually think Ubuntu can be used functionally without resorting to command line. Not everything, but everyday tasks.
[A) No - then you have just created a massive barrier to entry for most people and given a great reason for people to retail MS OSs.
People buy Windows machines because they're programed to, and face it Windows has and runs more programs than anything else. If you listen to Apple's BS, their OS is the only one that'll play music, say it ain't so.

And as to whether anybody does anything about M$'s monopolistic business practices, yes, they do! M$ is being sued all the time. they even lose from time to time. However, if you've priced a retail copy of Vista Ultimate recently, you'll realize the we pay the fines, court costs, and legal fees for them.
 
Ubuntu will install with a dozen or so clicks. Realistically, if you can't install it, you might not be able to install Windows either

For XP or earlier thats true, but the installation for 7 is so easy I think if presented with a working set of hardware that boots from the dvd, literally anyone that can read (regardless of whether they actually have used a computer before or knew what one was) could get it installed.
 
@JDoors: Whether or not they're commonly preconceived to be something (or not) is irrelevant in my opinion. Though the line between netbooks/notebooks is indeed fading to a degree - netbooks are *still* netbooks. They're overwhelmingly low cost devices that are used for lightweight on-the-run Web access - this is reinforced by the mobile telecom industry pushing them with 3G support.

If users prefer to run Windows on netbooks - so be it. Hell, I probably would (XP). Again, the gripe is that they should be sold with Linux (or with the option), and that I found the ad campaign to be overkill. What is the goal? To squash the remaining 4-odd-percent of netbooks that ship with Linux? To convert those whom will install Linux anyhow (good luck)?

Although I do agree that some who purchase netbooks rely on it to be a budget notebook - it doesn't change what a netbook *is*, unless the border is so thinned that the two are indistinguishable from one another. I reckon, however, that someone with very basic needs looking to buy a laptop could probably skim by on a netbook. Haha, now you have me rambling :)!
 
Originally posted by Guest:
Don't people have something better to do with their time instead of crying about how much they hate Microsoft? Perhaps spending only a fraction of this time on something more constructive, like helping your "cause" would benefit it more. Honestly, it reminds me of school yard kids. I guess people with such little intelligence don't have much to do anyway. Enjoy.


Agreed...
 
@blackshadow2007: The irony here is that you both took the time out of your day to criticize others for sharing an opinion. So, I extend a similar question to you: Don't you have something better to do than cry about how much you hate when others share their opinion?

You're such mature adults about it that you as far as personally insulting them...
 
@Matthew: "If users prefer to run Windows on netbooks - so be it. Hell, I probably would (XP). Again, the gripe is that they should be sold with Linux (or with the option), and that I found the ad campaign to be overkill. What is the goal? To squash the remaining 4-odd-percent of netbooks that ship with Linux? To convert those whom will install Linux anyhow (good luck)?"

I just can't begrudge them selling a product (and won't accuse them of having nefarious-sounding goals). If it's overkill, well, they DO have an excessive (some say obscene) amount of money, and lately seem to be directing more and more toward advertising. I'm sure some would say other MS ads are overkill too, but how much of that sentiment is just that we're not USED to seeing targeted ads from MS?

I may have lost the train-of-thought here; Why "should" netbooks include a free OS and NOT include, even at increases cost, Windows? Solely for the savings? (Do we know how much Windows Starter Edition adds to the price of a netbook?) Because Windows is inappropriate for netbooks? Because Linux IS better than Windows? Or is it a wish for Linux to have a better opportunity to increase its market share? (Rah! Rah!)
 
@JDoors: While the cost is certainly a consideration it's impossible to know for sure what impact 7 Starter will have on the price of netbooks - perhaps none at all, given Microsoft's desire to squash the competition. The potential for a rippling rise in conclusive cost to the end user is certainly there – and it’s only one facet of the situation that gets under my skin. The Linux/Windows debate could run in circles endlessly, I’m not backing the sentiments of either side – and I’m not protesting the use of either in any situation, especially netbooks.

I suppose I was (and am) more irritated at the campaign because I dislike seeing ruthless efforts being made to crush worthy competition. You might feel better about not accusing Microsoft of bearing a malicious agenda – but what positive motives are there to opening an ad campaign against Linux in a market where they’re now virtually non-existent?

In combination with the interest I have in seeing competitors “play nice,” it is a legitimate opinion that Linux *can* (is?) in parity with the quality of Window in the *majority* of netbook situations – and the fact that it’s lighter as well as cheaper only fuels the reason that I’m “pro-choice.”

By the way, I guess you and I are especially pathetic - taking all this time to whine and defend about Microsoft and Linux. Maybe we should spend a fraction of this time doing something a bit more constructive. Up for checkers? Haha.
 
I DONT KNOW WHAT MS WANTS! THEY ALREADY DOMINATE THE MARKET WITH THEIR SLOW & EXPENSIVE OS (VISTA).ACCORDING TO ME THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE ADOPTED VISTA WAS BECAUSE OF DX10 AND THESE PEOPLE ARE GAMERS. VISTA DOESNT HAVE ANY OTHER GOOD QUALIY THAN DX10!!!
I GUESS THEY ARE MONEY HUNGRY! AND WHAT HAPPENED TO ASUS?! PERHAPS GOING THE MS WAY!!
 
Oh come on, vista isnt that bad, unless you're running an older gen pc sure. Took some time for them to get drivers right, but its stable...Its just a monstor of an OS too.
 
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