Linux Just Can’t Catch A Break
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First it was Wal-Mart which decided to dump the Linux desktop PC and now it looks like Asus is going with Windows XP for some of their newest offerings in their ultraportable Eee PC lineup. In fact Asus believes the Windows XP models will outsell the Linux offerings. Which really begs one to ask “what is behind the Linux backlash?”
First we need to put the Microsoft conspiracy theory to rest. Though there is no doubt in my mind that Microsoft may have given Asus a very lucrative pricing option for a Windows XP model, the models none the less for the Windows models are priced higher than Linux. So than what is the attraction to the Windows model over the Linux model?
One word. Familiarity. More people are familiar with Windows. Most users don’t have a clue that Linux is even an option and have never used any Linux distribution. For me the Linux operating system on my Asus Eee PC works fine. But I have used Linux before and it wasn’t a detriment to what I wanted the system to do.
But let’s say that someone needed a specific software that was only available for Windows? Or needed to connect to a Windows only based business environment? This could also explain why Asus has also opted for a Windows system along with a Linux offering. Also Microsoft has realized that Vista wasn’t going to run on these new ultraportables and has opted for Windows XP which should give the old OS another lease on life. 
What do you think? Microsoft conspiracy or just good business sense on the part of Asus?
Should I return my Linux model and switch to a Windows XP system?
Comments welcome.
All of the Asus Eee PC Models here.
4 Comments
Dylan M.
March 14th, 2008
at 2:46pm
I think it is just the reason you said. Familiarity.
venzket
March 16th, 2008
at 12:32pm
keep the linux model, linux is alot better than xp. Even linux may seem confusing you learn all these new “command lines” in time. Keep up the good blogs man.
Alan
March 17th, 2008
at 11:49am
I understand and agree that familiarity with windows based pc’s is attractive. Especially when many older user just play solitaire. Hey does linux have a sol play-a-like? And of course windows is more organized than Linux in marketing. However, just try getting help on those cheap XP machines when it crashes and it’s out of warranty. Just try and get Microsoft or the manufacture to replace the operating system. I made several calls to Microsoft and the OEM and some other company and no one was willing to step up and help out. I told Microsoft that no wonder people pirate their software!!!
Christoph
March 17th, 2008
at 12:10pm
It seasier to appear as a M$ conspiracy these days wiht the advant of Linux being sold on PC’s to end users through HP, Dell etc etc
A practice not heard of only 3 years ago.
This of course coupled with the ever evolving Ubuntu and its distros to make linux life easier for the end user have now put M$ in fear.
Suddenly its, “we charge for our OS and 90% of all software built for it costs money too… now people have a ‘FREE’ choice…”
So M$ being the typical corporation dont listen to the consumer, instead they try to further monopolize the market and TELL the consumer what they want and need.
Linux is made for people by people.. i say this because: There is no linux dist i know of that you cannot modify to your liking exactly the way you want it.
Windows on the other hand.. no matter how many choices you have, wysiwyg
There is nothing you can do in Windows that you can’t do in Linux.. it just takes a little Googling sometimes, and omg READ!! Somethin most windows users forgot how to do beause they have come so accustomed to things the way they are.