Windows 7 will crush Linux? Really?
I’ve talked about my IT background several times on my blog as well as the operating systems I’ve had the most experience with. I’ve used virtually every version of Windows since Windows 95 debuted and have administrated both desktops and servers for every version since Windows 2000. I’ve been using OpenSUSE Linux since SUSE 9.0 and have had experience using the last two releases of Ubuntu. I’m currently an avid Mac user and have used every Mac OS since 10.4 Tiger. Having used all of these operating systems as well as being an IT administrator for the better part of 5 years has given me a great insight into how well these operating systems hold up to various tasks and how easy they are to administrate and maintain. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I’m of the firm belief that an opinion does not count unless it is a well educated one.
Today, I was going through my RSS feeds in Google Reader and stumbled on a post by Ron Barrett on NetworkWorld.com entitled Why Windows 7 will crush Linux. My first though was, “Really? Windows 7 will crush Linux?”. Let’s see if Mr. Barrett’s arguments hold water.
While it is true that Linux hasn’t been able to crack the desktop in homes and businesses, it has made quite an entrenchment in the server market. Linux can be a viable alternative desktop solution to some though. Linux desktops still have a market share just under 3%, which isn’t anything to frown at. That’s not bad for an open-source solution that’s up against the big dogs.
Barrett mentions that Windows lost a little over 3% market share last year. What Barrett doesn’t tell you is that Windows lost market share, not to Linux, but to the Mac. It wasn’t long ago that Windows market share was still in the lower to mid 90’s. In just two years, Macs have went from just a 6 to 7 % market share to over 10%. That’s amazing growth, wouldn’t you say? Mr. Barrett may not be panicking…but I can bet you Microsoft is.
Many people might be surprised to learn that I come from a background of Windows, Linux, UNIX and even MAC. In fact, my first IT experience was in a Novell/SCO UNIX environment. Now there are some fundamental issues to why Windows 7 will trump Linux distros like Ubuntu, Fedora and Debian.
And even MAC? Kind of makes me think you sort of played around with Macs but didn’t really use them all that much. And have you used the latest versions of Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian for any good length of time? How do you know for sure that Windows 7 is so much better than the latest Linux distros?
It’s all about bang for the buck, Ron. My guess is that Windows 7 will cost about the same as Vista…which is too much. Last I checked, a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate goes for about $339. Compared to $129 for OS X and free for Linux, I just don’t see how the cost of Windows Vista and/or Windows 7 holds up so well. I mean, what the hell does Windows Vista Ultimate really offer that is so great compared to the alternatives?
THEREFORE, to get those out of the way let’s just spell them out. Windows 7 installs easier, has simpler configuration of user settings, greater availability of software, support (you could argue that all support is awful, which is probably true) Windows support is easier to get when you need help. Gaming, MP3’s,… I could go on and on.
Easier to install? Have you installed Ubuntu lately? Honestly, it doesn’t get any easier than that. Plus, compared to the latest Windows 7 beta, Ubuntu installs way faster. As for the other stuff, it’s all in the eye of the beholder. Ubuntu is pretty easy to configure and really isn’t all that much different than Windows as far as configuration is concerned. It’s just a bit different is all. And the wealth of software and support for Linux has never been greater than now. There are tons of alternatives to the most popular Windows-based applications, most of which are free. I could go on and on too. Now, as for some of the other things you mention in your article…
To real Linux die hards… terminals rule. Microsoft has realized that the serious Administrator understands the usefulness of using command line input to accomplish tasks. Windows Powershell has introduced cmdlets to improve administration of Windows. Powershell also makes it easier to string together multiple administrative without the need to jump from management GUI to management GUI.
While this sounds like a cool new feature for Windows administration, you still haven’t explain how this will entice Linux users to drop Linux and move to the dark side.
So Powershell presents an interesting argument for Windows adoption by the Linux user. You can go command line crazy if you like and still play all your favorite PC games. Powershell remoting will allow Administrators to create one to one or one to many sessions for running scripts on other machines.
Ah, yes..PC games! Because nothing can entice a Linux admin like putting a copy of World of Warcraft on a PC along with the ability to go powershelling. That’s like crack to a Linux admin.
As for open source on Windows, yes, there is no shortage of open source software for Windows. However, most of the project you mentioned (Firefox, Open Office, MYSQL, GIMP) have been available for multiple platforms for years. Besides, open source isn’t a feature of Windows 7 and not the sort of thing that will entice users to switch to Windows 7.
Also, features alone don’t make one operating system better than the other. It’s great that Windows 7 has new features that don’t impede performance, but how many of these features really matter to real-world users? Some of them are highly relevant so long as you’re in a Windows world. Other though are just Greek to the average Joe. DirectAcess, Bitlocker to Go, Applocker and the new easier to use UAC? Although I know what each of these features are, nobody else will know. Try explaining this stuff to your non-IT, non-geek boss.
It looks like all the arguments (except being mad at Bill for being Rich) have been answered. Linux users have no reason to hold back anymore. Windows 7 is well placed to crush and put an end to the penguin.
Umm…what arguments? Windows 7 is in no more of a position to crush Linux anymore than Vista is. As far as I’m concerned, unless Microsoft re-invents Windows, gets rid of all the legacy crap, rein-visions it, and rebuilds it from the ground up then the game will be over. In the meantime, Linux will always be around and will continue to be a viable alternative to Windows for those who seek it.
While you may think Windows 7 will crush Linux, I think Mac OS X will end up sending a crushing blow to Microsoft’s market share. As the iPhone has proven, design matters Ron. Compared to OS X, Windows 7 is poised to continue on a path of poorly designed Windows operating systems. Microsoft has lost it’s way. The only way for them to continue dominating the market place is for them to build a better operating system. Till then, make mine Apple! :)
