Ballmer on Linux (Register) [LWN.net]

The Register covers a meeting held by Microsoft with European industry analysts to discuss Linux and other Open Source Software (OSS). "Overall the day indicated that Microsoft is now happy to recognise that the influence of Linux is growing. It is clear that we can now expect Microsoft to attempt to build its case for Windows as an operating system based on rational arguments rather than a simple dismissal."

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Ballmer on Linux (Register)

Posted May 16, 2003 14:07 UTC (Fri) by monk234 (guest, #11260) [Link]

The gauntlet has been dropped! I caught an interesting line from Mr. Ballmer's own mouth;

"...the low cost of purchase and its ability to function on comparatively low cost hardware platforms appear to be major attractions..."

Can you say "better"? Having been submersed in the world of Microsoft software for many years, I can say that linux is and seems to be a more overall more efficient platform. But then I'm preaching to the choir aren't I? My pathetic Pentium II 450Mhz running Linux seems to run as fast as my friends 1GHz machine running MS Windows 98 (I haven't seen XP yet). The vast array of developers writing kernel, device drivers, user interfaces, and applications for Linux have just recieved a hearty, if not veiled, pat on the back. Good work Y'all!

Ballmer on Linux (Register)

Posted May 16, 2003 14:57 UTC (Fri) by ncm (guest, #165) [Link] (1 responses)

Two observations.

First, we see the first example of these supposedly "rational arguments" in the "Ten Linux Myths [Quibbled Over]" http://lwn.net/Articles/30237/ press release from Microsoft mouthpiece Gartner. Of course these are not rational arguments in the classical sense; but they are sophistical arguments meant to mislead and subtly confuse even as they appear to appeal to rationality. This is a major step for MS, and they have hired someone good at it.

Second, Ballmer says MS has "absolutely no plans to port any of its substantial software library to Linux." When a company starts making public statements like this, expect a port within a year. This will not be a good thing for Free Software, and we'd better be prepared.

Why will it not be a good thing? I'm sure you can think of lots of other reasons, but how about this one: viruses and worms.

Ballmer on Linux (Register)

Posted May 17, 2003 17:51 UTC (Sat) by dsime (guest, #5764) [Link]

I disagree.
If MS ports Office, or other software, to Linux it will be great!

I won't use that crap, but it will allow people to move to Linux and keep the crap apps that they are accustomed to.
Then it will be easy to move to better apps on a piecemeal basis.

The only way for MS to continue is by being monolithic.

Dams with large cracks in them don't hold back flood waters.