Is Windows 7 The Linux - Netbook Killer?

December 28, 2008

Is Windows 7 the Linux-netbook killer?

When it comes to PCs and laptops, Microsoft had little to fear with Linux as much as it does the Mac. But now the new threat to Windows comes in the form of 'netbooks' - lightweight, low-cost laptops that typically use Intel's low-powered Atom processor and don't come with substantial amounts of RAM or powerful graphics processors.

They're designed mainly for browsing the Web, handling e-mail, writing memos, and taking care of simple word-processing or spreadsheet chores.

Netbook sales will reach an estimated 60% growth in 2010, compared with 18% growth for standard notebooks says a September BNP Paribas report. So obvious is the future in Netbooks. But the hardware demands of Vista can't be met by Netbooks (and a reason why Microsoft keeps extending XP's lifetime) and Linux is ideally suited for lower-powered netbooks. At least 30% of the existing low-cost netbooks run on Linux.

Microsoft sees Linux on netbooks not just as a niche market, but as a threat to Microsoft's desktop share as well. It's finally taking Linux seriously as a desktop operating system, and Windows 7 is looking to be the tool Microsoft has designed to kill Linux. At Microsoft's recent Professional Developers Conference, where the pre-beta of Windows 7 was unveiled, Steven Sinofsky, Windows Senior Vice President, showed off Windows 7 on his Lenovo S10 and said it used less than half of the netbook's 1GB of RAM.

Jerry Shen, CEO of Asus, announced that he plans to release versions of the Eee PC powered by Windows 7 in mid-2009, including a touch-screen version. With netbook return rates much higher for Linux than Windows XP versions, the high point for Linux netbook sales will be from now until the launch of Windows 7. After that will come the inevitable decline. Ultimately, consumers will be the ones to tell us what they really want in a device like this, and how they would use them.

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zzdocxx · December 28, 2008

Interesting, thanks!

Win 7, it will also be used for other personal computers, I mean it is not just designed for netbooks, is it?

Edited December 28, 2008 by zzdocxx

freitag1 · December 28, 2008

I really hope they get it right this time around. I guess its their last chance. I will never use Vista.

dave_boo · December 29, 2008

As much as I'm glad to see Microsoft bactracking on the DRM delivery system masquerading as an Operating System (Vista), I don't see much advantage of having Windows on Netbooks as compared to Linux. It's not like you can expect to use Photoshop or a dvd ripper on them; they're just too slow. That leaves basic tasks like word processing, spreadsheets and web browsing. All of these Linux does very well and at a much lower price point. Games will still be an issue however.

Crushdepth · December 29, 2008

I'd love to see Microsoft produce a cut down 'netbook' version of Windows :-) I am sure they will produce it as a crippled version with all the useful features axed. It won't be pretty.

CDNinKS · December 30, 2008

I already run a cut down version of XP (TINYXP) on my EEE PC and my Aspire One. I have a legal copy of XP, so don't feel I am cheating anyone. This works very well on both systems, although I am a bit disappointed with the read/write speed of the 8gb SSD of the AAO. It really slows everything down.

Edited December 30, 2008 by CDNinKS

livinthailandos · December 30, 2008

actually I've seen other stories similiar to this on cnet.com / zdnet.com and a few others. Regarding windows 7 on a netbook, I think will have to wait and see until the final Product comes out though. Honestly I don't believe windows works very well on a netbook considering the small amounts of resources in a netbook concerning hardware. Note from what I understand windows xp at a SP2 contained about 40 million lines of code while windows vista was about 50 million lines of code. I do believe windows 7 could work on a netbook, but you need to strip a lot of things out from windows to make it work properly.

Linux can work well on a netbook, you can always putt dam_n small linux on there or a few other distros. Netbooks are nice will buy one but most likely one that has a 10inch screen and 1GB Ram and more than 10GB hard drive most likely using a linux distro though.

NOTE: linux will not be a thread to microsoft concerning desktop as to many people are used to using windows. People like things there familiar with and unless you know someone who uses linux, or are willing to take time to learn a new operating system I don't see it happening. Not all distro's come complete with flash, java built it already. Also note until there's a similar version of itunes for linux, wifi that works 100% out of the box, I don't see it happening. Linux is not windows and to use linux you need to take time to understand how linux works and how to use it.

Edited December 30, 2008 by livinthailandos

Crushdepth · December 30, 2008

I read somewhere recently that the majority of netbooks sold are XP not Linux...sorry I don't have the link handy! A shame, if its true.

stumonster · December 30, 2008

if ARM processors get a window ( many chinese MIDs with ARM ) because of their low power consumption it can not be windows 7 running on them. winCE maybe

nikster · December 31, 2008

Windows 7 is the Vista killer. Good riddance!

As for the title, I thought most netbooks run Windows XP? It's clearly targeted towards netbooks so I'd think it will replace XP on those.

Microsoft set the bar extremely low with Vista so I am not sure the glowing reviews of Win 7 are worth all that much. But I do hope for the best. It would be nice to be able to consider PCs as a serious alternative to OS X once again.

Performance improvements are a given but I am really hoping for usability improvements. E.g. less clicks to do more. XP to Vista was more like more clicks to do less and bigger dialogs are better. That's the main improvement I am hoping for.

For example, I should be able to connect to a wireless network with one click, and with no dialog boxes or other distractions. Like one can do in Linux and OS X. The Vista version of this basic task was horrific. It's long ago so I don't recall the details but it took something like 10 steps to connect to a friend's WiFi (with no password).

nikster · December 31, 2008

Does Windows 7 still have a central registry?

rjk · December 31, 2008

I'll stick to my Mac and OS X

Seriously though, the little Linux based netbooks are booming, I see people using them everywhere for everyday functions like browsing, emails and managing office documents. Open Office does the job nicely once you get used to the slightly different user environment that MS OFFICE presents.

The savings in cost, space and portability make them a good option, especially as a second machine to take on the road.

Pushit · December 31, 2008

Linux and Open Office is free how can Microsoft beat that?

LivinLOS · January 1, 2009

NOTE: linux will not be a thread to microsoft concerning desktop as to many people are used to using windows. People like things there familiar with and unless you know someone who uses linux, or are willing to take time to learn a new operating system I don't see it happening. Not all distro's come complete with flash, java built it already. Also note until there's a similar version of itunes for linux, wifi that works 100% out of the box, I don't see it happening. Linux is not windows and to use linux you need to take time to understand how linux works and how to use it.

I think things are rapidly changing.. I have been a dabbler with Linux going back maybe a decade (slack 3.2 I think) and every time I installed it (couple of times frying my windows partition / boot disc back in the early days) and every time after something not working, something I couldnt fix, some mad amount of config scripting needed just rebooted to windows and forgot.. Until this year.

I tried a kubuntu back maybe a year ago (wanted to see KDE4 and if it looked good) and felt it was perhaps XP level.. Still rebooted to vista tho (I actually like vista, give it modern hardware and some RAM and its a nice OS).. Then when Intrepid Ibex was released figured I would waste a day to keep an eye on it.. Well now here I type on ubuntu and rarely boot back (dam_n you garmin !!! Open the GPS interface !!) in fact I am thinking about rejigging things to have XP in a virtual machine for my windows fall back.

Its not been complex, everything (hardware) has worked.. Software to do almost every basic task I needed no problem.. Part of that may be how much of a computers functions have moved online (photo storage on flickr, google docs, gmail, etc) and much more is being done in the browser.. It looks nice, you can make lots of window customizations with compiz to add vista like eye candy..

I promised myself I wouldnt ever be a OS zealot, I hate people who play the fanboy 'this is the only right option' card.. But if you havent tried linux yet, its really worth a day or two to adjust and at least make your own mind up.. In windows just get wubi and let it do all the work, I am now a convert.

January 1, 2009

I run the full version of Windows 7 on an Laptop with 2 x 1.6 GHz CPU, 4 GB Memory and HDD 7200 rpm.

Compared with Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 is much faster and I use both OS on the same Laptop each on it's own partition.

But Netbooks are a different "Game"! The Win7 build 6956 has already a "Netbook Version" and as I've to change one of my old (3 month) 2.5" HDD's for Laptop, I'll install that version once for to see the difference between that 2 versions: 1 full for x86 and the one for Netbooks.

The argument about Linux in this thread has different aspects. On one hand it's true, Linux is free of charge and as long as you just use it as it is, it's quite easy to use. But on the other hand, if you need to work with different software/programs pp, than the problems start, special for those who didn't know Linux. Windows you don't need to know as that deep than Linux and the same applies for OS-X.

In case that the Windows 7 OS will be that much "downgraded" that it come to the level of XP, regarding loading time and requirement of resources pp., or even below, the change of adoption is very high.

Cheers.

Familyonthemove · January 1, 2009

I've been running an original EeePC 701 with Limux for over a year, and although I was pleased with it, I swapped to an HP Mini 1000 with XP as there were a few occasions when not running Windows was a problem (printer drivers, Skype phone driver and access to an Outlook based webmail system).

XP seems fine, so I'll be getting Vista off the office computers as well, but I miss the quick boot of a flash memory/Linux system.

January 1, 2009

I've been running an original EeePC 701 with Limux for over a year, and although I was pleased with it, I swapped to an HP Mini 1000 with XP as there were a few occasions when not running Windows was a problem (printer drivers, Skype phone driver and access to an Outlook based webmail system).
XP seems fine, so I'll be getting Vista off the office computers as well, but I miss the quick boot of a flash memory/Linux system.

As much as I like Vista and work now more than 2 years with it, I believe you'll be disappointed if use Vista on an Netbook because of the required resources! But Againj, as I wrote before, it seems to be that Win 7 will be the way to go.

Cheers.

zzdocxx · January 1, 2009

Thanks, interesting thread!

dave_boo · January 1, 2009

I run the full version of Windows 7 on an Laptop with 2 x 1.6 GHz CPU, 4 GB Memory and HDD 7200 rpm.
Compared with Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 is much faster and I use both OS on the same Laptop each on it's own partition.

But Netbooks are a different "Game"! The Win7 build 6956 has already a "Netbook Version" and as I've to change one of my old (3 month) 2.5" HDD's for Laptop, I'll install that version once for to see the difference between that 2 versions: 1 full for x86 and the one for Netbooks.

The argument about Linux in this thread has different aspects. On one hand it's true, Linux is free of charge and as long as you just use it as it is, it's quite easy to use. But on the other hand, if you need to work with different software/programs pp, than the problems start, special for those who didn't know Linux. Windows you don't need to know as that deep than Linux and the same applies for OS-X.

In case that the Windows 7 OS will be that much "downgraded" that it come to the level of XP, regarding loading time and requirement of resources pp., or even below, the change of adoption is very high.

Cheers.

I respect your Window's advocacy, but let's consider some of your arguments about why Win7 is going to kill Linux on the netbook.

First you insinuate that as long as you leave Linux in a stock config (ignoring the obvious security implications), it works wonderfully. The way I read your point is that it is after applying patches, updates, etc. and then attempting to install programs you run into problems. That can be true; if you use an unstable (testing) repository or are building beta software. And what of all the problems arising with Windows? For instance my laptop came with Vista and for whatever reason not all the patches have installed correctly. Attempting to install SP1 results in a message that it's already installed. Attempting to unistall it to reinstall it is a no go. What am I left to do? The only reason I kept Vista on there was for the games. Now the games either won't install or after installing crash! Add in the fact that I am not allowed to use a /home directory (as a sensible Operating System does), I can't just blow the root directory away and reinstall it with my /home directory staying intact.

In the same vein; what happens if in the course of you using your computer WGA kicks in and de-authorises your copy of Windows? What's the chance you'll need to purchase another copy? Concerning Linux, you just download the distro that you want.

You also state that "Windows you don't need to know as that deep than Linux and the same applies for OS-X". I'm not sure if I understood that correctly, but a n00b distro, like Ubuntu or Mint, is pretty much all GUI driven. Granted there could be a time when you would want to drop to the CLI (ndiswrapper springing to mind immediately), but that would be for items that the manufacturer has decided not to support in Linux. And if the manufacturer doesn't want to support the product in newer versions of Windows? Well, you're SOL, because there's no way around it!

LivinLOS · January 2, 2009

While REALLY not wanting to turn this into a Linux advocacy thing..

My main point was the speed of change in the linux desktop world.. What I found not ready for prime time (compared to the current windows versions) only a year ago, now most definitely is.. I know ubuntu is considered n00buntu but this is exactly IMO what was needed to create critical mass.. I love the speed with which apps open and pages render, yet it has all the polish and feel that also makes an OS a pleasure to use. Secondly the huge amount of support online has meant any puzzle has been solved in a couple of minute google.

I honestly could put this OS out there for my mother to use, a big milestone IMO.

I will most definitely look at windows 7.. Sounds like they are tightening it up and reducing some of the system load.. But I think it will be as a virtual machine and they are nor playing catch up not the other way round.

Familyonthemove · January 2, 2009

I heard that Apple was going to release a Netbook? .... now that would be an interesting rival to Windows and Linux machines, as I reckon many netbook buyers are looking for simplicity and stability.

But I bet it will be expensive compared to Acer.EeePC etc.

January 2, 2009

dave_boo:

Linux isn't "wunderful" for me and to be clear which is the same for Windows! But not get me wrong, both systems working just fine while for linux with that exception that you'll face difficulties if you want "more" than just the standard as it comes!

If you want "more" out of linux you need to first start learning how to "tweak" that system. Even just installing software can be a pain in the ar*e if you don't know more about the command line commands and so on.

In the same vein; what happens if in the course of you using your computer WGA kicks in and de-authorises your copy of Windows? What's the chance you'll need to purchase another copy? Concerning Linux, you just download the distro that you want.

This isn't an argument at all! If I use a legal version of any MS Software and the WGA "kicks" in, is just a FREE call to re-activate. And that re-activation is much faster than re-install or even download the Linux distro again!

By the way, we'are talking about legit software here and not about pirated one!

*******************************************************************

As all of the software from Microsoft under "fire" the whole picture isn't that clear!

Linux Distros or OS-X are same or even more under fire but while that software is "just" used by an minority of the whole market, there not that amount of bad reports as for the biggest OS Windows! To see the real picture you'll need to use the percentage of the market share and than it looks much different!

*******************************************************************

Just as an sidenote, the OS I had really liked wasn't any MS or Mac or Linux software, it was Geoworks and that's 18-19 years ago.

Cheers and a happy New Year to all of you.

dave_boo · January 2, 2009

dave_boo:
Linux isn't "wunderful" for me and to be clear which is the same for Windows! But not get me wrong, both systems working just fine while for linux with that exception that you'll face difficulties if you want "more" than just the standard as it comes!

If you want "more" out of linux you need to first start learning how to "tweak" that system. Even just installing software can be a pain in the ar*e if you don't know more about the command line commands and so on.

And I'm glad you can tweak Linux. But than again, if you want more out of Windows, you'll have to tweak it also. Granted there's only 1/5 as many pages dedicated to tweaking Windows as there is to tweaking Linux, but considering market share you could definitely argue that even though Window's market share dwarfs Linux's 0,6%-2%, depending on whose numbers you want to use, Windows does require some level of tweaking.

This isn't an argument at all! If I use a legal version of any MS Software and the WGA "kicks" in, is just a FREE call to re-activate. And that re-activation is much faster than re-install or even download the Linux distro again!

By the way, we'are talking about legit software here and not about pirated one!

Yes, and when the pir8s get ahold of your OEM key and it gets blacklisted, what can you do? That's what I'm deathly scared of with my laptop. It came from MSI with the volume key (I think that's the name for it). You are quite correct about length of time needed to reactivate versus the reinstall.

*******************************************************************

As all of the software from Microsoft under "fire" the whole picture isn't that clear!

Linux Distros or OS-X are same or even more under fire but while that software is "just" used by an minority of the whole market, there not that amount of bad reports as for the biggest OS Windows! To see the real picture you'll need to use the percentage of the market share and than it looks much different!

The thing in this argument that always makes me chuckle is that so many people would like to equate desktop usage patterns with the be all end all of the debate. Now, if you really wanted to harm a tree, wouldn't you attempt to attack the trunk? Now apply that analogy to the internet. Which would cause the most damage; attempting to deliver payload to millions of individual PCs or attempt the hijack a few servers to do it for you? Now considering Linux's share of that market, why aren't there more exploits?

*******************************************************************

Just as an sidenote, the OS I had really liked wasn't any MS or Mac or Linux software, it was Geoworks and that's 18-19 years ago.

The only OS I didn't like was *BSD. I've 'wrassled' with various versions of it and they all had some show stopping glitch. I've just downloaded the latest PC-BSD, so I'm not totally going to write it off. BSD has an awesome security record and it's quite tempting to try out. I'm also going to give Nexenta a go; but since it just uses the GNU tool kit with an OpenSolaris kernel, it should be pretty easy.

Cheers and a happy New Year to all of you.

And happy New Year to your Reimar!

January 2, 2009

dave_boo:
Linux isn't "wunderful" for me and to be clear which is the same for Windows! But not get me wrong, both systems working just fine while for linux with that exception that you'll face difficulties if you want "more" than just the standard as it comes!

If you want "more" out of linux you need to first start learning how to "tweak" that system. Even just installing software can be a pain in the ar*e if you don't know more about the command line commands and so on.

And I'm glad you can tweak Linux. But than again, if you want more out of Windows, you'll have to tweak it also. Granted there's only 1/5 as many pages dedicated to tweaking Windows as there is to tweaking Linux, but considering market share you could definitely argue that even though Window's market share dwarfs Linux's 0,6%-2%, depending on whose numbers you want to use, Windows does require some level of tweaking.

I didn't wrote that I tweaked Linux but that the user need to learn to tweak Linux to get more out of it! I didn't deny that you need to tweak Windows for to get much more ou7t but that is a much easier job than in Linux where you need to learn the command Language to first! Windows isz by any means more user friendly in total than Linux.

This isn't an argument at all! If I use a legal version of any MS Software and the WGA "kicks" in, is just a FREE call to re-activate. And that re-activation is much faster than re-install or even download the Linux distro again!

By the way, we'are talking about legit software here and not about pirated one!

Yes, and when the pir8s get ahold of your OEM key and it gets blacklisted, what can you do? That's what I'm deathly scared of with my laptop. It came from MSI with the volume key (I think that's the name for it). You are quite correct about length of time needed to reactivate versus the reinstall.

It seems to be that you never had that problem because if you had, you know already that there isn't any problem to reactivate! What you wrote is nothing but rumor. The name of the key is VLK (Volume License Key) and the longest time it ever took for to reactivate was below 5 min but mainly just 1-2 minutes! And never fails! Even once I was testing how many times I can reactivate on one day and that was when I was need nearly 5 minutes at the sixth time of activation: the same OS (Server 2003 WebEdition) on 3 different computer!

*******************************************************************

As all of the software from Microsoft under "fire" the whole picture isn't that clear!

Linux Distros or OS-X are same or even more under fire but while that software is "just" used by an minority of the whole market, there not that amount of bad reports as for the biggest OS Windows! To see the real picture you'll need to use the percentage of the market share and than it looks much different!

The thing in this argument that always makes me chuckle is that so many people would like to equate desktop usage patterns with the be all end all of the debate. Now, if you really wanted to harm a tree, wouldn't you attempt to attack the trunk? Now apply that analogy to the internet. Which would cause the most damage; attempting to deliver payload to millions of individual PCs or attempt the hijack a few servers to do it for you? Now considering Linux's share of that market, why aren't there more exploits?

On the Mac for example are more viral infection than on the PC by percentage if use the real figures. Even if the Mac Freaks telling that the Mac is Virus Free and than the question came up :why there anti virus software for Mac if there no Virus exist?! Virex 5.7 was launched in 1996 and Virex 2.x in 1990! But Apple refused to tell the Mac user to use an Anti Virus program until OS-X was launched. Similar it's for Linux.

*******************************************************************

Just as an sidenote, the OS I had really liked wasn't any MS or Mac or Linux software, it was Geoworks and that's 18-19 years ago.

The only OS I didn't like was *BSD. I've 'wrassled' with various versions of it and they all had some show stopping glitch. I've just downloaded the latest PC-BSD, so I'm not totally going to write it off. BSD has an awesome security record and it's quite tempting to try out. I'm also going to give Nexenta a go; but since it just uses the GNU tool kit with an OpenSolaris kernel, it should be pretty easy.

I wasn't talking about an high end system just one with an very nice graphical interface which was working very stable and never had hang over the years I had use it. By the way the last time I was use Geoworks was back in 2005 because of the use on an special Color Printer and it was running on an x86 286 with 2 MB Ram!

Cheers and a happy New Year to all of you.

And happy New Year to your Reimar!

Cheers.

dave_boo · January 2, 2009

I didn't wrote that I tweaked Linux but that the user need to learn to tweak Linux to get more out of it! I didn't deny that you need to tweak Windows for to get much more ou7t but that is a much easier job than in Linux where you need to learn the command Language to first! Windows isz by any means more user friendly in total than Linux.
There's some points (like activating PAE or DEP) when you need to know the commands for Windows. I'd rather take the added "frustration" that comes from learning new commands to customise a system that is as individual as mine, rather than have the OS manfacturer tell me that what I paid good money for is fine just the way it is.

Also, all those tweaks that Windows lets you do are doable on Linux--USING THE GUI. It's the more esoteric tweaks that you'll want to drop to the CLI for.

It seems to be that you never had that problem because if you had, you know already that there isn't any problem to reactivate! What you wrote is nothing but rumor. The name of the key is VLK (Volume License Key) and the longest time it ever took for to reactivate was below 5 min but mainly just 1-2 minutes! And never fails! Even once I was testing how many times I can reactivate on one day and that was when I was need nearly 5 minutes at the sixth time of activation: the same OS (Server 2003 WebEdition) on 3 different computer!

Actually I have had before. Several times, not on the same day, it kicked back a invalid key. I will give Microsoft the benefit by saying that a couple of times I called a toll free number and was able to get it re-activated, and the other time in Thailand I had to talk, once again on a toll free number, to an actual person to get it reactivated. The point is, what is the rationale behind activation? I understand protecting your business model; but punishing consumers is not protection! Wether it's rumour or not, I'm still concerned about getting the key revoked.

On the Mac for example are more viral infection than on the PC by percentage if use the real figures. Even if the Mac Freaks telling that the Mac is Virus Free and than the question came up :why there anti virus software for Mac if there no Virus exist?! Virex 5.7 was launched in 1996 and Virex 2.x in 1990! But Apple refused to tell the Mac user to use an Anti Virus program until OS-X was launched. Similar it's for Linux.

I thought this was a comparitive thread between Linux and Microsoft.....

I'm going to quote from Wikipedia here on the topic of security (just from a malware point of view)

According to Kaspersky Lab, more than 11,000 malware programs for Windows were discovered just in the second half of 2005.^[61] However, it is common for anti-malware softare to have more than 100,000 signatures against which potentially malicious components can be compared. Botnets - networks of infected computers controlled by malicious persons - with more than one million computers have been witnessed.^[62] Once malicious sofware is present on a Windows-based system, it can sometimes be incredibly difficult to remove. As such, users are advised to install and run anti-malware programs.

As of 2006, more than 800 pieces of Linux malware have been discovered.^[61] Some malware has propagated through the Internet.^[63] However, in practice, reports of bonafide malware presence on Linux-based systems are extremely unheard of^[^{citation needed}^]. Nonetheless, anti-malware tools (such as ClamAV and Panda Security's DesktopSecure for Linux do exist. These programs are mainly intended to filter malware from emails and network traffic travelling through Linux-based servers

So basically, in the one half year, some 1300% more piece of malware were discovered in Windows than had been discovered in the 14 years that Linux been in existence. Add in the fact that a lot of those malwares were cross platform (blame the need to support Microsoft formats in open source programs), and it starts looking even more dismal. Actually, I agree with you; as a responsible netizen, you should have an anti-virus on a Linux system. Not to protect you but rather those friends of yours who are still on Windows. Not making sense? Well, one of the most popular delivery routes for malware is through email. If your Linux machine, which has a good chance of being immune to it, passes it on you're not doing your friends/family any favours.

I haven't ran into any viruses, and would in fact put up a totally stock Linux install against ANY updated Windows install as far as security is concerned. Use both machines to visit the dirtiest nastiest corners of the internet and see which one ends up croaking. We all know the answer.....

I don't wish to have hubris though; that's a vulnerability in and of itself. However I recognise the fact that there are root kits. Good thing about Linux is that if you're running a proper distro it's nearly impossible for them to install.

I wasn't talking about an high end system just one with an very nice graphical interface which was working very stable and never had hang over the years I had use it. By the way the last time I was use Geoworks was back in 2005 because of the use on an special Color Printer and it was running on an x86 286 with 2 MB Ram!

Ok. I really wish that I could give Windows up; but without the game manufacturers wanting to support alternative operating systems, it's nearly impossible. In fact, if you discount the Vista install that came on my laptop, I haven't paid for an Operating System since 2002, and I like that!

nikster · January 3, 2009

Just a general remark: If you really think any operating system other than Windows in its various incarnations is affected by malware you are living in a dream world and it's time to wake up. Really. It's not because Linux and Mac are so secure, it's that the virus writers don't care about these platforms.

What's more likely (A) getting hit by a comet or (B ) getting your computer infected by malware?

Linux: A

Mac: A

Windows: B

Edited January 3, 2009 by nikster

grtaylor · January 3, 2009

Last week I bought, in Penang, an Acer AspireOne Netbook. It has an Intel Atom 1.6GHz chip, 160Gb HD and 1Gb of RAM. Pre-installed was a licensed copy of XP Home (with Service Pack 3). The main applications I have added are:

Office 2007 Enterprise
Firefox 3.0.5 (with add-ons)
Paint Shop Pro 6 (yes, its old, but it does all I need on a Netbook!)
Comodo Internet Security Suite
Adobe Acrobat Professional 7

I am not intending to fill it with software, but to keep it "minimalist", using it mainly for email, internet access, word processing and document management.

So far, its working fine and speed is not an issue. I'd happily try Linux on it, but not without a backup image of the HD in case I needed to reverse the process!

dave_boo · January 3, 2009

Just a general remark: If you really think any operating system other than Windows in its various incarnations is affected by malware you are living in a dream world and it's time to wake up. Really. It's not because Linux and Mac are so secure, it's that the virus writers don't care about these platforms.
What's more likely (A) getting hit by a comet or (B ) getting your computer infected by malware?

Linux: A

Mac: A

Windows: B

Virus writers would love to hack those platforms, the BSD and Linux ones especially, since the majority of web servers run on them. It would provide a perfect vector for their attacks.

And there's all sorts of "cross-platform" malware. Granted the majority of that malware comes from having to support Window's formats, but you still have Java and other issues....

Oh, and for the record, one other reason I love Linux; I had a computer that was spontenously blue screening in Windows but would work fine in SuSE. Eventually I got tired of fighting it under Windows and ran memtest (a boot option with Linux; wouldn't have been able to do that with Windows). Turned out one of the memory modules was defective!

JSixpack · January 3, 2009

I already run a cut down version of XP (TINYXP) on my EEE PC and my Aspire One. I have a legal copy of XP, so don't feel I am cheating anyone. This works very well on both systems, although I am a bit disappointed with the read/write speed of the 8gb SSD of the AAO. It really slows everything down.

http://aspireoneblog.com/blog/2008/12/spee...-up-windows-xp/

stumonster · January 3, 2009

I'd happily try Linux on it, but not without a backup image of the HD in case I needed to reverse the process!

a very easy way now to try linux on any windows computer is with MobiLiveCD - a GUI version of Qemu which allows you to test liveCds alongside windows

full tutorial that shows how easy it really is

http://www.howtoforge.com/running-linux-li...with-mobalivecd

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