Linux v. Windoze 7

Maximum PC had an interesting article today comparing the supposedly new and improved Windows 7 with "Linux." And by "Linux", I suspect they mean Ubuntu, because it is by far the best platform for the sorts of folks that entertain using Windows 7.

The article pointed out that netbooks are the future for Linux, because consumers can save about $80 on a $330 laptop - and between $250 and $330, people can start to appreciate the glory of free software. The theory goes that once people become accustomed to the Linux environment on their netbooks, they'll be more eager to try it out in other areas of their life. This, I thought, was a really interesting point. It's kind of like how Apple hooked people with their ipods.

Nevertheless, Linux is not easy to use for anything but standard browsing, coding and office type apps. It's multimedia support is still shaky, especially it's audio. Another persistent problem is that gaming is fickle at best with Linux, and often maddening. Until these kinks are worked out, Linux won't be able to expand past the netbook market - people who use their computers precisely for browsing, coding and office type apps.

So the theory is is that by promising superior (or at least more user-friendly) performance on netbooks, Windows 7 can outcompete Linux. I doubt this will be the case, and the folks at Maximum PC seem to agree. Most people aren't expecting more from their netbooks than a bare-bones lightweight laptop. In that context, Linux works just fine. Of course Linux is getting better and better, and it's only a matter of time (albeit a few years) before they get the multi-media and gaming kinks worked out.