openAdmin
09-09-2009, 10:11 PM
http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/win-linux-training-1.jpg (http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/win-linux-training-1.jpg)
A portion of Microsoft's Windows 7 training material that has been released by a Best Buy employee (http://www.overclock.net/windows/569458-microsoft-attack-linux-retail-level-probably.html) has caused an uproar. With good reason- A full section has been dedicated to comparing Windows 7 to Linux in a way that is seen as unfavorable to Linux.
While much of the information provided in the material is accurate, many are also unfair and untrue generalizations. For example, while Microsoft’s claims of providing broader support for printers, digital cameras, video cameras etc are true, statements such as: Linux does not have "authorized support”, “Linux is not easy to update or upgrade” or “Windows is safer than Linux”, have not been received well by open source groups.
Many are left wondering why Microsoft has created such a material for sales representatives in Best Buy when the retailer does not even feature Linux machines. Others ask why only Linux has been chosen in comparison to Windows7. Maybe Microsoft fears Linux to be a far bigger threat than it would openly admit to?
This is certainly an unforeseen embarrassment for Microsoft , especially as the company has made several overtures in recent months to give the impression of support to open source communities.
A portion of Microsoft's Windows 7 training material that has been released by a Best Buy employee (http://www.overclock.net/windows/569458-microsoft-attack-linux-retail-level-probably.html) has caused an uproar. With good reason- A full section has been dedicated to comparing Windows 7 to Linux in a way that is seen as unfavorable to Linux.
While much of the information provided in the material is accurate, many are also unfair and untrue generalizations. For example, while Microsoft’s claims of providing broader support for printers, digital cameras, video cameras etc are true, statements such as: Linux does not have "authorized support”, “Linux is not easy to update or upgrade” or “Windows is safer than Linux”, have not been received well by open source groups.
Many are left wondering why Microsoft has created such a material for sales representatives in Best Buy when the retailer does not even feature Linux machines. Others ask why only Linux has been chosen in comparison to Windows7. Maybe Microsoft fears Linux to be a far bigger threat than it would openly admit to?
This is certainly an unforeseen embarrassment for Microsoft , especially as the company has made several overtures in recent months to give the impression of support to open source communities.