Oliver Wong wrote:
> >
> > It's quite true that their marketing expertise
> > and muscle, and their contacts deep into governments, will help them
> > through all kinds of problems, but in the end, I still can't see how
> > they will compete with free.
>
> The two big factors I see are:
>
> (*) Games.
> (*) There is still the widespread, perhaps incorrect, perception that
> Linux is difficult for a (former-)Windows user to adapt to. A common
> argument from Linux advocates is that assuming zero computer experience,
> it's just as easy to pick up Linux as it is to pick up Windows. Well, fine,
> but the fact of the matter is that a heck of a lot of people already know
> how to use Windows, and they're not confident that they can switch.
The main factor that will keep Microsoft as the industry leader is the
incontestable fact that they are the market leader in a fairly mature
market. From a business point of view, it is very easy to stay on top
once you are on top and do not ignore the marketing principles taught
at every b-school in the land. Mr. Softee has shown some strong
attention to this and is not very likely to chuck as the linux fans are
hoping.
As everyone says, it is easy to pick up linux, but as you point out
Windows users dominate the landscape and really have no reason to
change.
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