Microsoft and the Open Source Movement

Thought that this was an interesting, if not pointed view at Microsoft versus the Open Source movement. Techwhack.com explains that the reliance on Microsoft products is not only silly, it is beginning to be counterproductive.

They go on to express that they feel that Bill Gate’s charitable givings have been little more than something for the media. Folks, that is mean. It is mean for those who receive the money and it is totally unproven. While I am an Open Source supporter, this type of statement is totally unfair in my opinion.

I read an article on the threat of dominance of Microsoft and the implications it would have for the Open Source movement. It is clear that Microsoft is feeling jittery about Linux eating into its market share. The article appears on PC Mag. The threat to dominance has many facets here. One for sure. Microsoft is running out of ideas to shore up its revenues. Like all business enterprises, it has full right to earn. However, what I am against is the pretence it makes in the name of Corporate Ethics. This is what gets me.

I had mentioned earlier and do it again. Microsoft and its cohort Intel have sold and resold technologies, which have no relevance to majority of average users. If it is for Gaming community, I have no reservations. With the increasing complexity of games, higher and faster processors are a must. However, for an average user, who at best surfs on-line and uses the Office suite, how much GHz is needed anyway? This is what I fail to understand.

Windows XP when launched, was with all the eye candy turned on which was a major drain on the system resources. Then came the all-famous Service packs with which it is still vulnerable. The regular updates being issued inspire no confidence and trust in the product. The onus is on the monopolistic corporation to provide stable and secure systems. Especially for something that people have been forced to either upgrade or buy as proprietary software.

Increasing piracy has forced Microsoft to launch its advertisements in the local dailies. At least in India, they have set up a toll free number (what else!) and roped in vendors (assemblers as they are called as here) and given some kind of an assurance that the software would be secure. It is noteworthy that the vendors are those who are best described as marginal players in the market. It would be more appropriate for them to get free advertising support even as they crow over the latest Intel chip set.