Microsoft Sees Linux As Bigger Competitor Than Apple

Facetious writes "It seems Microsoft doesn't believe the data from Net Applications regarding Linux any more than Slashdot readers do. In a recent presentation, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer showed a slide showing, from Microsoft's internal analysis, that Linux client use is clearly ahead of Apple's."

Comments

Apple is just there for the ride

[FyberOptic]

Why should Microsoft feel threatened by a rehashed version of NextStep, which hasn't really evolved its modern interface since the first version of OSX, and despite the dock and shiny colors, is yet still the same interface from 20 years ago? At least Microsoft and Linux try new things, and learn from mistakes and consumers.

Macs have a niche user base of people with a lot of money to spend on pretty machines, regardless of how much they can really do. Linux users are generally considered power users, therefore making them the people having more of an impact on technology, such as in the server market. Linux is free, too, which is a huge contrast to overpriced Apple gear.

From a strictly consumer-based standpoint, Apple is competitive. But from a technology and user base position, Linux is the threat.