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Microsoft Sends Linux Survey

Posted by michael on from the inquiring-minds-want-to-know dept.

GnrlFajita writes "According to Newsforge, Microsoft is sending Linux users a survey asking why they use Linux, and what can be done to make Windows better. The article suggests taking the survey (or surveys, one for business users and one for home users), then sharing your answers with others in the community." Newsforge and Slashdot are both part of OSDN.

4 of 1,051 comments (clear)

  1. My answers by cluge · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Dear Mr MS Marketing,

    I use linux because

    1. I expect to own software I pay for
    2. I expect software I pay for to work as advertised
    3. I expect not to be foreced into downloading other components I don't want of said software to keep my machine secure. (IE media player has to be downloaded to make explorer secure)
    4. I expect to not be forced to give up all and any reasonable legal rights when I open the package.
    5. I do not want to deal with software that guarantees via the liscence agreeement that the publisher can remotely look at my computer at will.

    As soon as the law makers get their opposable digit out of their anal orpheus, and restore a modicum of protection to consumers I don't have any faith that any of the points that I have outlined above will be addressed. Lets face it, you pay for the software, break open the box, and you have no legal expectation that the software will work, in any way shape or form.

    AngryPeopleRule

    --
    "Science is about ego as much as it is about discovery and truth " - I said it, so sue me.
  2. Re:this makes MS looks stupid by helix400 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I thought just the opposite. This is what MS needs to do to gain respect. They flat out asked us "Ok, tell us, what do you think, we value your opinions and we want to know." MS has never done this before.

    If MS shows respect and tolerance to the open-source community, it can win over many Linux fans. Too often, they've spread FUD about Linux, and they write off Linux users any chance they can. If they show signs of friendship, and even show interoperability with open-source products, that would lessen many people's hatred of Microsoft.

  3. Microsoft list reasons for Linux by bigHairyDog · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This is golden. Right off the survey, written by microsoft employee(s), suggested reasons you might not like M$!

    1. It's cheaper
    2. There is more free add-on software.
    3. Ability to run on old hardware
    4. More secure than Windows
    5. I want to get more Linux experience to help my career.
    6. No need to constantly keep installing updates and fixes
    7. Better performance
    8. Better support for networking standards
    9. Easier to use
    10. Easier to install
    11. Better install and uninstall of additional software and drivers.
    12. No enforced license registration.
    13. Better scripting
    14. Better command line
    15. Better wireless networking support
    16. Easier networking setup
    17. Better TCP/IP version 6 support
    18. Better device and peripheral support than Windows.
    19. Better centralized administration than Windows
    20. Better directory service than Windows
    21. Access to source code
    22. Easier to customize exactly how I want it.
    23. Fewer reboots required with system changes or failures
    24. More intuitive, simpler to understand.
    25. Linux community support.
    26. Easier to find qualified help.
    27. Doesn't require as much detailed expertise.
    28. Can hire skilled Linux experts more inexpensively.
    29. Better reliability.
    30. The satisfaction of not giving Microsoft more money
    31. I don't trust Microsoft.
    --

    foo mane padme hum

  4. Re:How to make Windows Better... by Trepalium · · Score: 5, Interesting
    • Clear, documented interactions between components
    • Error messages that can be traced back to the faulting component, rather than just to the error reporter. (Microsoft crash error messages have become progressively less useful. Windows NT blue screens, and Win95/98 application crash errors were actually useful. Windows XP blue screens, and application crash messages are useless.)
    • Documentation of all registry settings, regardless of if they should be modified manually or not. Most Linux apps have all the configuration settings documented in the appropriate man pages, or when that fails, there's the source code.
    These are the three things that get in my way more often than not when trying to troubleshoot a problem. The answer to format, and reinstall is rarely, if ever, acceptable.
    --
    I used up all my sick days, so I'm calling in dead.