Microsoft launches new preWindows7 anti-Linux offensive

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    Microsoft launches new preWindows7 anti-Linux offensive


    Posted: 30 Sep 2009
    Microsoft launches new pre-Windows 7 anti-Linux offensive

    Posted by Raquel Leoncio
    26 September 2009, 1:04 pm




    Microsoft has confirmed it developed materials that portray Linux as unsuitable for consumer use, and distributed these to retail sales staff around the United States.

    Among its claims the sales materials asserts that Windows scores a “many” for compatibility with cameras, iPod and MP3 players, as well as for printers and scanners. Linux is rated as “few.”

    The brochure scores Windows as having “extensive” software compatibility and Linux as being “limited.”

    The materials give a big tick to Windows as having “authorised support,” “video chat on all major IM networks,” and being able to play “the games your customers want (e.g. World of Warcraft).”

    By contrast, a red stop sign adorns the Linux columns for each.

    Under the category “Window Live Essentials (e.g. Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery)” the Windows column notes the product is a free download but is not supported under Linux.

    Additional materials claim that Windows is “familiar and easy to use” and is “what most customers want.” As you might guess, Linux gets the stop sign for these categories.

    Microsoft asserts the charts were “specifically developed to show sales professionals the important differences between Linux computers and Windows computers, so they are well equipped to help customers purchase a PC that gives them the experience they expect.”
    More at: Microsoft launches new pre-Windows 7 anti-Linux offensive « Science & Technology News
    Night Hawk's Avatar Posted By: Night Hawk
    30 Sep 2009



  1. Posts : 23
    Windows XP
       #1

    Good timing.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 66
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #2

    Fools. They want everything, but they won't get everything.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 803
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #3

    The fear of the penguin.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,528
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
       #4

    Ugh, while everything that they say is probably entirely true. Just saying it puts them in a "bad" position.

    Linux doesn't ever have to be mentiond at all. Just make the point, let the user guess if your referring to Mac or Linux or Beos or whatever.

    Mentioning names just needlessly shakes the behives for no purpose.

    Now if Linux had 50% consumer market share, more direct comparisons might be needed, MS is like this in the server space, but for retail consumer channels? that just makes Linux seem like a bigger deal than it is.

    Disclaimer: I'm not saying Linux is "no big deal" but the fact is, in the consumer and buisness desktop space it's almost non-existant. For the science, hobbiest and server space it's rocking the house :) MS doesn't have any need to be calling Linux out on the desktop at this point in time...

    Actually I really dislike ALL of Microsoft's advertising, Apple's too. It's all a war of words, how about showing more of what the OS can do for you instead?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,375
    W7 Ultimate x64/W10 Pro x64/W11 Pro Triple Boot - Main PC W7 Remote PC Micro ATX W7 Pro x64/W11 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    If you saw the latest commercials MS has on youtube you might have a laugh with the characters pressing a finger on the screen to switch people around in the background. When you see enough lame ads on tv that kind of belittles them a bit there!

    What amused about that article however was the comparison of why WLM works on Windows but not Linux. You know what I say? "Give me a Break!"
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 6,885
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Mint 9
       #6

    masterB said:
    The fear of the penguin.
    Sphenisciphobia?


    ~Lordbob
    Last edited by Lordbob75; 02 Oct 2009 at 00:26. Reason: Wrong spelling
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,470
    Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
       #7

    truth is ms is pretty much dead on about linux. while yeah you can make linux do a lot of things the average user isnt going to know how. getting linux to run on your computer and use all the available hardware is usually a pita. people generally know how to use windows already.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 66
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #8

    Well, I like 7 and it will be my main OS, but for a "user friendly" GNU/Linux OS, Ubuntu can't be beat!:) The biggest problem is wireless on a laptop, but checking on compatibility before buying solves that issue.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,925
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #9

    Linux simply isnt ready for mass adoption yet. It needs to do what Windows 2000 did and leave the command line behind.
      My Computer


 
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