Thank you Mark Shuttleworth and a slight PC/OS update

Bass said:

littleguru said:

*snip*

Well I think the OLPC was the "first" netbook in a way, although it wasn't for sale. It's clear to me that the EEE PC was inspired by it.

What?

Seriously?

Someone wanted you to die of Syphilis because you said Windows7 was okay?

Surely not.

Ray7 said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Nope.  Netbooks are a mistake.  For Linux they're a temporary relief at best.  The reasons why Windows doesn't run well on Netbooks will be solved by Windows7 and once MS drops the price for Netbook installs, then we will be back to square one. This is exactly the same mistake that they make time after time, and I think we'll see it again with home servers now that Microsoft seems to have a pretty good solution that beats any Linux based system for ease of use and versatility.

I would like to see a lot more effort in small, dedicated devices because that's where the future is, and that's where MS is weakest. I'd like to see the community get behind the Pre, but of course they won't because someone will come up with one little reason why it doesn't comform to the Stallman dream, and they'll pack their toys and go home. Might not be a bad thing though because I think the Pre needs developers who are more consumer focussed than your typical Linux developer.

Anyway, netbooks are just laptops with bits missing, and with everyone bar Apple reducing laptop prices, I don't think they're a particularly good long term bet.

Bass said:

Ray7 said:

*snip*

Netbooks really got Microsoft with their pants down holding up an OS on life support that was suppose to be long dead. Windows 7, the savior. Windows 7, it'll fix everything. It's seems to be the big promise. But all I can really talk about is right now. Right now Windows sales are doing poorly, Microsoft is out 5000 employeees and MSFT stock is just dismal (Apple is doing just fine by the way, still hiring). Right now we got a new president here in the USA using the words "open source" a little too much and a little too fast. But we will see. Windows 7 is suppose to be the life saver which will maintain the eroding Windows status quo. All I will say: we will see. I have no crystal ball and neither do you.


"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose." -- Bill Gates

And with that inspirational quote, I am out of this thread! I think I might get a short break at least this place cool down, hopefully Channel 9 will still be here when I get back.

But all I can really talk about is right now. Right now server sales are strong, Microsoft is out 1400 employeees and MSFT stock is just dismal (Apple stock drops as soon as their CEO gets a cold).

Bas said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Fixed that for you.

Presenting only the facts that support your argument is fun!

Bass said:

I find most interesting in the link you posted the claim that Microsoft is giving away Windows XP for free to netbook OEMs. It seems Microsoft will go to all ends (including harming themselves) to keep Linux off of computers. Ubuntu is self-sustaining even being free of charge, but will Windows be? I really really doubt it. This is a dangerous game Microsoft is playing.

AndyC said:

Bass said:

*snip*

The idea that Microsoft "gives away" Windows XP is clearly ridiculous. Comparing prices to retail Vista costs shows a lack of understanding of how the OEM sales model works. Hint for those a little slow: the majority cost of any IT system is after sales support.

Bass said:

AndyC said:

*snip*

I don't think it's ridiculous at all. Microsoft would rather gave away Windows for free then have Linux get any gains in the market. That actually makes a bit of sense. Anyway Mark Shuttleworth is probably in a better position to talk about this kind of stuff then anyone here, since he actually does deals with OEMs himself. So I wouldn't know for sure if he is right, but I believe him.

Bas said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Fixed that for you.

Presenting only the facts that support your argument is fun!

AndyC said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Of course it is. Windows XP is still the biggest competitor to Windows Vista. You simply don't undercut yourself, unless you're an idiot.

Bass said:

AndyC said:

*snip*

It's not without precedent at all. Microsoft gives Windows for free to students via their MSDNAA program. Microsoft gives a pack that includes Windows and MS Office for $3 to developing countries. Microsoft is perfectly capable of giving away Windows if it serves them strategically. It's in Microsoft's best interests that Windows maintains the desktop, and this goes beyond selling Windows licenses.

PerfectPhase said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Or the Action Pack, that's as good as free for what's in it!

Bass said:

AndyC said:

*snip*

It's not without precedent at all. Microsoft gives Windows for free to students via their MSDNAA program. Microsoft gives a pack that includes Windows and MS Office for $3 to developing countries. Microsoft is perfectly capable of giving away Windows if it serves them strategically. It's in Microsoft's best interests that Windows maintains the desktop, and this goes beyond selling Windows licenses.

Bass said:

Microsoft gives Windows for free to students via their MSDNAA program.

AndyC said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Nope. Member departments have to pay for the privilege. It may not be very much, but then neither are OEM bulk licences for Vista as organised by Dell etc, or corporate Volume Licences.

AndyC said:

Bass said:

*snip*

Nope. Member departments have to pay for the privilege. It may not be very much, but then neither are OEM bulk licences for Vista as organised by Dell etc, or corporate Volume Licences.

Ray7 said:

What?

Seriously?

Someone wanted you to die of Syphilis because you said Windows7 was okay?

Surely not.