The offensive Microsoft anti-Linux netbook offensive

David M Williams
Tuesday, 21 April 2009 21:52

Business IT - Technology

Last year Linux advocates were horrified when it was revealed many consumers purchased Linux-based netbooks – because of their price – but then return them because they were unfamiliar with the operating system, knowing only Microsoft Windows.

One sage commentator said these consumers were “dumbasses” and were squandering the netbook experience by rejecting Linux.

It’s these people Microsoft are pitching to with the coming netbook edition of Windows 7. Officially, it’s titled Windows 7: Starter Edition but it may as well be known as the crippled edition.

Yes, that’s right, it’s called “Starter” edition. In a patronising marketing put-down, Microsoft have deemed if you use a netbook you’re not actually a seasoned computer user.

Forget that you might be a hard-core techie who carries a super-light netbook and 3G modem and repairs servers around the world. Forget that you might be a student or business person or hobbyist who has been using computers for many years and bought a netbook for portability.

No, if you buy a netbook there’s no doubt about it: the Redmond marketing machine consider you’re using a toy computer and consequently you need a starter operating system. You know, to get you into this “computer” and “internet” stuff gently, before you graduate onto something more substantial.

To make sure you don’t forget you’re on a starter operating system and try to race ahead too fast Windows 7: Starter Edition will restrict you to just three applications at one time. Try to start a fourth and you get a big negatory.

Can you believe Windows 7: Starter Edition will cost money, too? Fancy that, legions of consumers will line up to buy new Windows-based netbooks, or will make the switch from Windows XP (or even Linux) on an existing netbook to Windows 7 only to find out that Microsoft’s special netbook-specific release locks you down more than Mya Harrison locks down her special beau?

Last year I spoke of my disdain for another Microsoft product – Microsoft Small Business Server, otherwise known as SBS.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not going to try and tell you Bill Gates is the antichrist and Microsoft is the evil empire. Personally, I love SQL Server, but then I’m a database junkie. However, what really upsets me is artificial restriction – and that’s something Microsoft specialises in.