Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Linux On Netbooks — a Complicated Story

Posted by Soulskill on from the comfort-zone dept.

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.'"

2 of 833 comments (clear)

  1. No surprises here! by bogaboga · · Score: 0, Troll

    Surely, how can Linux compete against the likes of Windows and OSX with current interfaces (read windowing environments)? Linux default interfaces look dated and ugly, and do not get me started on multimedia. Now call me a troll.

  2. Re:People just don't understand Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    "There is no common way to install and remove software."
    Heard of apt or yum? Both are far superior that the "Windows Way".

    "There is no stable base to write drivers (thus no hardware support)"
    I've never ad to rummage through an OEM's driver site to get a workstation working. Getting Windows to work on Laptops is a headache involving hours of hunt and search for laptop drivers, unless you're happy to make do with the inevitably old ones that you *may* be lucky enough to have on CD.

    "There are too many distros with too many proprietary ways of doing things. Too many proprietary repositories, too many proprietary package systems, to many proprietary filesystem layouts."
    There is apt and yum. Care to name this veritable profusion of others you seem to be referring to?

    "Gimp is *not* Photoshop. Sorry. I know I mentioned this, but I'll repeat it again. You insult people who actually use Photoshop by making this claim."
    I believe I did say that in my original post. I also said that the Linux kernel was also once behind, and a raised profile saw to that in a matter of just a few years.

    "Ponies"
    Yes, I agree. This is the most rational thing you said.