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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.

Comments

Shallow waters, more noise

CrackyBlue Sep 14, 2009 8:03am GMT

Its obvious by my subject. Microsoft keeps claiming its superiority, while some years ago theyve use an appliance running on linux to save one of their sites.. Come on M$, dont worry about market shares, you still have one edge on desktop users, thats gaming (I admit it, im an M$ gamer)

Beginning of the end

spaulding Sep 09, 2009 2:52am GMT

The biggest mistake a market leader can make is to openly name its competitors. This usually signifies the beginning of the end of its market lead. Let's face it, Windows is an operating system of a bygone era, that is just not suited to today's always-on Internet, where all their desktop products are being superceded by web-based equivalents. Add to that Microsoft's poor track record with worms, trogans and viruses and it's not hard to see why people are beginning to see that there is a better alternative out there.

A win for Linux

xtronics Sep 08, 2009 11:00pm GMT

Clearly M$ has been reduced to lying --- this is progress.

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