Microsoft and Asus join forces to smother Linux

My current laptop is an ASUS U5F running Linux. I was thinking about ASUS for my next hardware purchase which will be in about a year or so. I guess I will look somewhere else now. Dear ASUS, I will not purchase your stuff again. By the way, I had more issues with that U5F of yours than with my old cheap Acer I bought before that.

When I was a MS addict (not ashamed to admit it - been clean for 4 years) and Sony installed a rootkit on MY computer, I told Sony that I would never again buy their products.

I have never brought a Sony product since.

So now I am telling this cheep ***** of a hardware company - Never again

Aughhh - I feel dirty for buying that motherboard last week

Looking at the number of netbooks that ship with Windows vs. Linux doesn’t say much about Windows vs. Linux presence in the netbook market. My question is, how many stay Windows machines?
With MS subsidizing the WinXP version of a netbook, the Windows version sells a tad cheaper than the Linux version in a lot of cases. 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. Anyone with half a brain will buy the Windows version then put their favorite Linux distro (plug Mepis here) on it.

If MS wants to subsidize netbooks more, bring it on, I’ll take all the price drops on hardware I can get.

... HTML 5 API's that include HD video and 3D graphics API's without any plugins...

Well HTML5 will not run in thin air. It will need a hefty browser. Now browsers don't run in thin air either. They need an operating system underneath...

@jwdR1 - ...With MS subsidizing the WinXP version of a netbook, the Windows version sells a tad cheaper than the Linux version in a lot of cases...

If MS subsidized WinXP 100% i.e. gave it away free with netbooks, it will still cost same as Linux version. It will be chaeper than Linux only if Microsoft paid manufactureres for putting WinXP on netbooks. I don't know what logic jwdR1 used in making her assersions.

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.

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:

There is a problem with that. Most people don't know how to install a new OS.

Originally posted by jwdR1:

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.

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

I actually think Ubuntu can be used functionally without resorting to command line. Not everything, but everyday tasks.

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.

Originally posted by Guest:

Agreed...