Windows 7 The Linux killer and Ubuntu Going Mainstream

Let’s not forget that Win2k,WinXP as well as Vista was tagged as Linux killers. and needless to say, Linux installations did not decrease but increased.

Let not forget that Linux is free as well as open source. That’s a hard combination to “kill” now days.

linux is too strong!

According to these same “journalists” Linux has no market share to speak of anyway, so what is there to “kill”? In other news, Microsoft spends hundreds of millions of dollars in print and online advertising every year, and that is what largely pays the salaries of these “journalists”, but of course these folks wouldn’t consider this any kind of conflict of interest.

I think Microsoft will have more and more difficulties convincing people of the value added of his desktop compared to product like Ubuntu desktop. Canonical is dedicated to make the Linux desktop succeed and I think they have what it takes to make it happen!

I, for one, am ready to bet on Ubuntu on the desktop. It is the reason why we launched allmyapps, a linux app store focused on ubuntu today! We thought an app store was definitely needed for the linux desktop to succeed…

> Do you see Windows 7 as a Linux killer?

Well, Microsoft must certainly strike back, after the Vista debacle (which is a quite funny story if you think about it: the most important OS of the planet going down the drain).

The fact is that nowadays Linux, especially in its Ubuntu incarnation, is spreading like fire, at least in Europe, and when you see that proprietary graphic drivers à la Nvidia are being more and more ported to GNU/Linux, it means that the last barrier: cutting edge games, is already in sight.
This “proprietary porting” is not only happening for graphic drivers: most wifi cards that come out now, for instance, work perfectly with GNU/Linux, BECAUSE they better do… if they want to hope to have a future.

Photographs leaving photoshop and turning to gimp and (powerful) Linux dcraw implementations, gamers beginning to enjoy cutting edge games on their most recent Nvidia cards, either trough wine or native, even music fanatics beginning seriously to consider linux alternatives… and surely the most impressive results are the non geeks that use Ubuntu without any problem whatsoever and with all the huge advantages that NON having those norton cans of worms and windows firewalls running below the hood means in terms of security, stability and speed. When people discover the speed, security and stability of a well trimmed GNU/Linux system there’s no way they would go back to a windows system, that moreover is also supposed to be paid for: a cruel joke.

Moreover Windows 7 cannot be a Linux killer, whatever Microsoft’s hopes may be, because there’s no way a proprietary system developed by a restricetd number of paid developers, without open published source code (and therefore full of bugs that remain undiscovered for a long time) can keep abreats with a open system with published source code and its army of helpers PLUS thousands of developers that work for free, or next to it.

So, yes, Microsoft might further delay the moment for a little while, but the fortress is already broken, and free and open source software and OSsystems have already won the battle (Apple is also going to disappear together with its own proprietary and closed model, despite the recent gains they also made thank to the Vista huge moronic blunder).

Was about time, I would say.

I have been windows software developer for 15 years. I have to use windows in order to provide support to my existing windows software clients. For my everyday work (design, web applications, office, mail, web and audio) I already use Gimp, Open office, Evolution, Audacity… and tons of very useful utility software. Right now I’m learning Gambas and I believe I will be able to make some useful applications soon. So, reading your article I asked myself: What made me switch from windows to Ubuntu?
Huh… it just doesn’t matter. Too long story to write here. I believe I will switch completely when Windows 7 will be available. After that no Windows would be Linux killer for me.

I am looking forward to something succeeding against Microsoft. Their OS and its calamity of design have cost users untold amounts of money chasing viruses and malware. The OS is a sieve letting anything through.

You pay $150 for the OS then have to pay another $50+ a year to attempt to protect it from attacks to design flaws that Microsoft left in it!!!

It is a mess, I hope Ubuntu punches a big hole in Microsofts hull…

Long live “free” Ubuntu!

hi

i am some what agree with you but still there is one section where window is dominted, in business.

actually i was big fan of linux from it’s early days when you have to compile the file to install it on pc from strach.

but still i didn’t find linux as window alternative as none of my business app running on linux.

like i am trade in currency i am using saxotraders from saxobank, and meta traders from alpari and fxdd. also using odin diet for trade in commodity and equity market of india.

so still i don’t want to use window i have to stick with it.

i know many like me who want to use linux but because of this limitations only use linux as hobby only and not as principal os.

even the website of mcxindia (indian commodity exchange) open only first page in mozila, but if you tried to click some link in it, only open in IE. not in any other browser.

so if any of you have solution of all this limitation please tell so i can linux as my main os.

thank a lot

hi

i am some what agree with you but still there is one section where window is dominted, in business.

actually i was big fan of linux from it’s early days when you have to compile the file to install it on pc from strach.

but still i didn’t find linux as window alternative as none of my business app running on linux.

like i am trade in currency i am using saxotraders from saxobank, and meta traders from alpari and fxdd. also using odin diet for trade in commodity and equity market of india.

so still i don’t want to use window i have to stick with it.

i know many like me who want to use linux but because of this limitations only use linux as hobby only and not as principal os.

even the website of mcxindia (indian commodity exchange) open only first page in mozila, but if you tried to click some link in it, only open in IE. not in any other browser.

so if any of you have solution of all this limitation please tell so i can linux as my main os.

thanks a lot

Is this a joke?

If its so, they could have done earlier!

I have been chasing the Linux desktop dream for years!!! When I bought my computer kit, about 5 years ago and still using now, I planned on using Linux, not Windows. After many problems with the sound not working, I broke down and bought windows XP Home Edition. Turned out to be a defective motherboard, not Linux. Still Linux never fully worked for me.
Now the previous OS I used was Windows 98. I describe this POS as like driving a car down the road and slowly having a lug nut come off your wheel one at a time. I reinstalled the OS every 6 months. But XP was great. Only once did I have to reinstall because a WELL KNOWN anti-spyware program hosed my registry.
But recently my brother-in-law introduced me to Ubuntu. I loaded the KDE version and I was blown away. Everything worked!! Right out of the box, so to speak. What a great distro.
Now I have been using for many years a lot of open source software on my Windows box. OpenOffice, TuxGuitar, Audacity, PDF Creator, Firefox, and Thunderbird, to name a few. The only program I have not found a replacement for is Quickbooks Pro (with time tracking). GNU cash can replace Quicken from what I’ve heard. The open source programs are great and I avoid MS when possible.
I’m looking to use Linux more than Windows now. I mean why should I throw away $50.00 an year on security software for Windows because they want an insecure OS.
I hate Microsoft and like the Linux architecture. So after a long story, I think Ubuntu can give Windows 7 a run for their money.

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. But even still, the vast majority of users, let’s face it, prefer Windows because:

1. it’s familiar.
2. it runs the apps they’re familiar with
3. it’s (mostly) backwards compatable

From a business perspective, these are the Linux killers.

You can have the most stable environment possible, but if you have to train people how to use the OS and additionally train them how to use new apps (especially anything MS Office Suite related) then you’ll have a revolt on your hands. Even when you need to train someone, it’s rare that they aren’t familiar with the Windows environment.

Consider this:
MS Office 2007 has new formats for Word documents (.docx) and Excel Spreadsheets (.xlsx). If you email a document or spreadsheet and forget to save as the backwards comp. version, then the receiver won’t be able to view the attachment without downloading a patch.

Let’s take the same analogy a step further;
Your organization has a top-down implementation of Linux and you communicate with other non-linux organizations. Even though your office can send documents and spreadsheets in supposedly compatable formats, there is still a problem with the display on the other end. They can see the spreadsheet, but some things are off (formulae, etc…).

Let’s say that the receiver is depending largely on what you have sent them to decide whether your company is awarded a contract or not. Do you want to risk it?

Loyal Linux (and Mac) users tout their respective systems as having better security. But let me throw this out there: Could it be that that Mac and Linux security seems better because there hasn’t been nearly as much motivation to write Mac or Linux viruses? If so, then the Mac/Linux stance is analogous to me saying I’m invincible and bullet proof, because no one is pointing a gun at me!

I would postulate that as any OS becomes more common, so too will viruses, worms, trojans, etc FOR that OS.

Case in point: Mac is experiencing more security trouble now because sales are up and hack/crackers are now sufficiently motivated to develop malware for Mac. If someone were to target the community via a website that lots of mac users visit, then they wouldnt even know they had been infected, since no one runs a virus checker.

I am a windows administrator and windows will stay where it is for now.

That being said, the 9.04 version of ubuntu server combining samba 3.3 openldap and likewise look to be a huge step tward an enterprise level directory access server/domain controller. If the ubuntu personel figure that out, it will be a HUGE if not back breaking blow to Microsoft. Active directory domain controllers are what keep microsoft on top in the commercial world. The rest of their products get a helping hand and play off of their domain controller dominance.

As far as desktops, I think windows 7 will be a smash hit. It is a repeat of history with win2k flop to winxp (the completed version of 2k). Vista flop to windows 7 (the completed version of vista) But I think in the long run, Ubuntu is going to make huge inroads into the desktop market. Why? because I dont even have to get off my rear end to aquire an application that I want that is free! Sure this is countered by the fact that people use word, excel, outlook and whatnot…but if some company was smart enough to sell ubuntu computers for 100 bucks cheaper with a full office suite…I think many people would switch. This will cause more gaming companies to seriously consider linux versions of their games which when that becomes standard, that is a whole boat load of people that will switch because it is a no brainer.

To strong?? Linux is the BIGGEST joke OS. Microsoft just works and thats all you need from a OS. I tested Linux-Ubuntu 9.04 in 3 laptops and 3 desktops!! The biggest waste of time nothing but problems! No sound, no wireless support and the list goes on. I even paid for support know I wasted time and money. I rather pay and get a product that WORKS then waste time with a junk OS like LINUX!!!!!

Its not going to be Linux! I rather pay for a system that works. I tested ubuntu and other linux-baesd system on six computers hoping to change from microsoft. It was the biggest waste of time not one computer worked. Nothing but problems form wireless cards to no sound the list goes on. Linux is so bad even the drives dont work. Then I even paid for support I would have had better results burning my money!!!! My company has nearly 20 computers. I would never try Linux in one of them again. Sorry but we pay microsoft for a product we can use!

Considering that yours is the ONLY criticism of this open-source OS, if you want ANY credibility you need to publish your bonafides: who are you, really? do you work for MSN? what are your qualifications to comment? Prove you are not a spreader of disinformation, since your unsubstantiated claims of having run the OS on 6 pcs requires a HUGE “willing suspension of disbelief” as Lewis Carroll said. Are you in the pay of MSN or any of its subs or fellow travelers?

Matt, I need some of the stuff you are smoking. It is painfully obvious to the rest of us that you have never tried Ubuntu and simply shooting from the hip with no bullets.

I’ve installed Windows and Ubuntu on on dozens of machines. I’ve found that it is easier to install Ubuntu than it is to install Windows. Windows is clueless if you don’t provide a motherboard driver cd. Ubuntu works on first boot.

Maybe I need to send my 9 year old son to come and install Ubuntu for you. It appears he is capable of doing stuff your are still having trouble with.

If you have trouble with 6 machines, the problem might not be the OS, go look in the mirror.

Yet another Linux Killer product from Microsoft?

I personally would not change my Linux for any Windows version. People being happy with Windows can simply keep using Windows, its an option as valid as Linux (I used Windows during several years). But now I am more productive, and have more fun at my Linux Laptop and Desktop than at any Windows.

Plus, being a technician which runs hundreds of OS installations a month, I can say that Linux hardware support its way better than any Windows hardware support. I don’t need to worry for downloading any drivers or use any paid program to help me at it on Linux. Of corse… IF you get caught at the situation of needing a Linux driver (this is rare, but can happens on recent released hardware), you are toast. At least till somebody hacks a driver (takes some months). But thats scenario its very rare living in America (And I don’t mean United States of America).

Its so sad that we have to have flame wars, is this some basic insecurity from windoze users.

after evaluating linux for a year, eventually, I switch to Linux Ubuntu. Many organizations are on their way to Linux !!!. Say good bye to windows. No more spending on OS (and softwares too).

Folks, I’ve used some sort of windows since 3.1, and I just tried Ubuntu, and I must say I can’t believe how simple it is. I tried a live CD and it just worked, I was able to get on my wireless network without any hassles at all, much less than windows, and I can play music, and watch movies, what ever I want to do in just 15 minutes of my time, I had my mail client POP3 and SMTP setup in a couple of minutes without any manuals, help, support whatever. I can’t wait to find a decent CAD program so I can say good buy to windows Vista. That’s the only thing keeping me on the Windows wagon. As far as Open Office, it’s far superior to MS Office, I’ve used it on windows since Star Office 5.1. I think the guy who claims it doesn’t work on 6 of his computers is a plant or a nut. I’ve been around computers since 1986 because of CAD design, but I’m ready to say bye bye to MS Windows for good.

Well, I’m a brand new user of Ubuntu, and the latest 9.10 installed perfectly on my system, an Acer laptop. Sound and video work out of the box, installing and uninstalling programs is incredibly easy:choose from the list of programs offered, then click “apply.” The system boots up in half the time Vista took, and wifi connects instantly. Using WINE, I can run the few application I needed Windows for. Printing is laughably easy on my Brother laser printer. Programs open up faster. Shutdown is at least three times as fast as Vista. The only thing that didn’t transfer over instantly were the songs I purchased on iTunes (although the CD’s I imported transfered without incident). So I have to burn those songs to a CD then transfer that to Rhythmbox. I can do what I need to do and do it faster and without the need to purchase updates every 1-2 years from Microsoft. I am *very* impressed with Ubuntu and look forward to using it for many years.

About a month ago I custom ordered a brand new Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop, with Win 7 64 bit installed. My wife has a Dell pc running Vista. After receiving my laptop, I fired it up and messed with 7 for a couple days…looks nice and works better than vista, but it’s STILL crappy Windows with all of it’s ill-fated ways and quirks. The week before I had installed Karmic Koala on an old pc I had laying around, and LOVED it. I set up Karmic to dual boot with win 7, realized in the 3 days after I installed Karmic that I never once booted Win 7, and proceeded to nuke my drive and dedicate the entire thing to a lone Ubuntu installation. Sound and video worked perfectly with no setup. The only thing I had to do to get full functionality was download and set up a wireless driver to get my internal Broadcom wireless chipset to work. Yes, I had to use the command line, but SO WHAT? Windows has a command line too, and there have been times when I’ve had to use it just to FIX windows, nevermind install drivers. I remember using DOS and typing ALL my commands. Nothing is “cryptic” if you open your mind to some learning. To me, the Linux command line and it’s commands and behavior are far superior to DOS/Windows command line. The Gnome GUI is MUCH more customizable. In windows, if I wanted to change something as simple as the start menu icon, I had to use Resource Hacker, disable Windows File Protection, edit the registry, blah blah blah. In Linux, I can edit a couple files and be done with it. No fightin the OS to let me do something it “thinks” I’m not able to do without screwin up, all I have to do is type “sudo”…how easy is that!

Oh and btw, to those who say “windows just works”, WRONG!! Try to install a Broadcom bluetooth adapter under win 7…sure it syncs up to your handhelp devices, but it’s doesn’t see any services offered by the device. No OBEX, Audio Gateway, etc. Had to…gasp!…download the driver and install it. And it was more of a pain than in Linux.

Perhaps if yall would just open your eyes and see the big picture, you’d see that windows sucks now more than ever. It’s nothing but a virus-prone, insecure, unusable, non-user friendly pile of junk. It randomly corrupts itself, thinks that every user is a dumba**, tries to be like Linux with it’s User Account Controls (and fails miserably at it), makes a mess out of your hard disks, sucks down more battery power just idling than Ubuntu Linux does surfing the web, and overall is just a big headache.

And what’s this? I have to buy a license to use this pile of crap? Why would I pay for pain? I love my Linux install, I’m never going back to windows. Everyone is entitled to there own opinion, that is mine. If yours is different, don’t bother flaming me, just post it up here for all to read.

I just want to agree with texnologos .. This system is amazing!! I have been using for appox a week and have not found any faults . people have to remember this is open source .If the billionare gets behind it look out . The only thing it really needs is to be a bit more user friendly which they have been working on with each new release .I also have a mac as well which I adore but mind you it was expensive !

Hey, are you not the same person who said he had trouble installing Ubuntu in six computers and got shut up because someone else sent his 9 year old kid to help you? This seems quiiiiite suspicious… mmmmm Is your real name William Doors… I mean, Windows… oops again, GATES?

Linux/Ubuntu is not ready to compete with windows yet, its hardware support is not that great, there too many distributions all doing different things , obviously Ubuntu has no viruses – which hacker / malicious user is going to bother writing viruses for a platform with under 2 % desktop penetration. Linux also lacks good quality proprietary software.

Windows 7 is still quiet new obviously there will be some hardware issues and no OS is perfect but for the most part windows has excellent hardware coverage and just works out of the box.

I think the point Ubuntu and Linux in general are missing – most consumers are willing to pay for good quality just as long as that price is affordable. I just want to be productive and right now windows is the closest to a productive machine i can get. This concept of open source is a nice concept but open source is not exclusive to Linux – so why should i change operating systems just to run open office or Thunderbird or Firefox .

Linux also struggles to convince the average user to convert to purely because its not yet that user friendly compared to windows. I know Ubuntu in particular has put allot of emphasis on making the OS easier to use but there is still allot of work to be done in this area. For now Linux / Ubuntu is better suited for intermediate users who are not afraid of the command line.

The point i am trying to make is – Linux has some very strong points and can be very competitive in future but for now you just not their yet!!!