New Anti-Linux Propaganda from Microsoft

With the impending release of Windows 7, that in contrast to Vista supposedly runs at an acceptable speed on netbooks, Microsoft's marketing machine, faced with the enormous popularity of Linux in the netbook segment, has changed up a gear in its anti-Linux propaganda. What is commonly referred to as FUD in Internet jargon (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt), is being implemented in the form of a list of dubious facts used in Microsoft's sales training modules to drive customers back to Windows-- a well known tactic that Microsoft has used against Linux in the past.(see Halloween documents).

As usual, Microsoft's "Get the Facts" campaign spreads totally unsubstantiated lies about Linux which it calls fact. For example, the list claims that Linux offers no support for live video chat, commercial support for Linux is non-existent, and describes Linux's support of scanners, printers, digital cameras, iPods and mp3 services in general as scanty. Interesting is Microsoft's repeated claim that Windows 7 has a higher hardware compatibility than Linux - although it's clear that the new update to 7 will once more drop drivers for older devices. In opposition, Linux kernel developer, Greg Kroah-Hartman declared in October 2008 that Linux supports more devices than any other OS- including Windows. Kroah-Hartman says he can provide proof to back his statement and that a source inside Microsoft has even verified the fact.

Equally remarkable is Microsoft's claim that in the case of a security leak, Linux offers no guarantee of a patch- ignoring the fact that in the past, critical breaches in Linux have never been left for any notable length of time without a security patch being released. Unlike Windows, where a known security issue can stay un-patched for two years. Which shows that it's Microsoft that should be reticent of offering guarantees for patches.