Linux On Netbooks — a Complicated Story

An anonymous reader writes "Keir Thomas has responded to the recent raft of news stories pointing out that Linux's share of the netbook market isn't as rosy as it used to be. Thomas thinks the problem boils down to a combination of unfamiliar software and unfamiliar hardware, which can 'push users over the edge.' This accounts for the allegedly high return rates of Linux netbooks. In contrast, although far from superior, Windows provides a more familiar environment, making the hardware issues (irritatingly small keyboard, screen etc.) seem less insurmountable; users are less likely to walk away. 'Once again Microsoft's monopoly means Windows is swallowing up another market.'"

Re:People just don't understand PROGRAM NAMES

[syrion]

Nah. Your standard end user doesn't even understand the concept of software, really. I know people who think Windows is Office, and so on. These aren't people who are totally ignorant—they work with computers every day—they're just not very good at reading. Their excuse is usually "I don't want to think about that stuff, I want to get my work done," never realizing that thirty minutes of thinking about "that stuff" could save them hours of frustration. When I heard someone who's worked in a white-collar environment for fifteen years refer to Office 2007 as "Windows Word 2007," I nearly lost it.

So 2009 is

[Anonymous Coward]

not the year of Linux on the Netbook?

Re:People just don't understand Linux

[Mateo_LeFou]

"Microsoft would be up shit creek without new sales of Windows - and the easiest way to do that is to make people think their current version is out of date. People want the latest and greatest."

True, but if those don't coincide they want the greatest more. Cf. their aversion to the "latest and crappiest" Vista.

Re:PS kills GIMP inusability???

[Chrono11901]

User: This is different and wierd...
Linux Dude: To bad.... just relearn everything,
Linux Dude: ... ya there?
Linux Dude: hmm guess he went to google it.
Linux Dude: Yep this the is year of linux....

WTH?

[KnowledgeKeeper]

Why are you all rambling here? Start writing code, slackers! :)