Netbooks – Are We Seeing the End of Microsoft?
Posted by John Kessler | Posted in General | Posted on 17-03-2010-05-2008
0
As netbooks become more and more popular, one thing that becomes apparent is that Linux-based operating systems have finally established a hold, at least in one segment of the computing industry. The idea that there is an alternative to Microsoft Windows is underlined (in a thick, bold line) in the netbook industry.
Although it is estimated that only about 15% to 20% of the total number of netbooks runs on Linux operating systems like Ubuntu, the growing demand for Linux-based netbooks has definitely jolted mighty Microsoft. The first netbooks in 2007 used Linux. Microsoft quickly recovered by downsizing Windows XP for netbooks. Windows Vista proved too bulky for the sub-sized machines.
While the average netbook user may still cling to the ease of using Windows XP, the fact is, Microsoft is bound to face competition from yet another source: laptops that run on Google’s Linux-based Android OS. Industry analysts also expect Microsoft’s clout to weaken as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and business development companies become interested in finding alternatives to the Windows XP to save on licensing fees.
The business development company Canonical is sponsoring the Ubuntu operating system. Canonical is expecting more netbooks to be pre-installed with Ubuntu in the coming years. Elsewhere, computer giants Hewlett-Packard, Dell , and Lenovo all offer netbooks with Linux-based Operating Systems as well as Windows versions.
Linux’s edge over Windows is that it is free to license, making Linux-based netbooks cheaper. Canonical earns on its Ubuntu through upgrades and support. Windows XP, on the other hand, earns $60 for every Windows-based netbook sold. Microsoft, however, partly blames for weak quarterly profits, it only makes half as much on netbook as it would on a standard notebook.
All told, we might not see the huge cracks just yet in Microsoft’s armor, but it doesn’t change the fact that the company was initially embarrassed that the first netbooks were sold without Windows Vista.
You can compare netbooks on the site http://www.compareminilaptops.com
Author: John Kessler
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates