Will Microsoft Abandon Windows to Compete with Linux?

[Ken Hess]

As much as Microsoft loves to grinch about Linux, they've made significant changes over the years to compete with it--and will abandon it altogether to maintain their competitive edge. Windows 7 will be the last Windows product.

What changes has Microsoft made to compete with Linux? They've prettied it up a bit, revamped some of Windows hardware pain points, and fixed some of the infinite rebooting that must occur any time you install software or patches.
They've also done quite a few name changes over the years beginning with the Windows NT to 2000 name change. Then Windows XP. What the heck does XP stand for anyway? Now Vista, which for me is the high-end Windows Me (Mistake Edition), and in the near future--Windows 7, which should be Windows NT 8 if you're keeping up.

So what will Microsoft do after Windows 7 to remain competitive? I think they've realized that bloated operating systems aren't going to do the trick with the introduction of Netbooks and smaller devices. They've also realized that their bullying and scare tactics don't work with today's more tech savvy customers.

Ok, no more waiting. I'll tell you (and Microsoft) what their next move will be to maintain Desktop dominance.

Microsoft Desktop.

That's it, Microsoft Desktop.

They might follow it with a year just so you know which one you have when you call for tech support. For example, when they abandon Windows 7, the product will be Microsoft Desktop 2012, then Microsoft Desktop 2015, and so on.

Ok, Microsoft, tell me I'm wrong or pay me for the idea. I'll be waiting for my check. If we call it a "bonus," we'll get a lot more air time out of it. Alternatively, you could give me a lifetime supply of Microsoft products.

[jbennet]

What the heck does XP stand for anyway? Now Vista, which for me is the high-end Windows Me (Mistake Edition), and in the near future--Windows 7, which should be Windows NT 8 if you're keeping up.

XP stands for eXPerience. And windows 7 isnt NT8, its officially NT 6.x still in order to maintain compatibility with the vista/server 2008 line as its not a major release, just a point release.

There was:

Windows NT 3.x
Windows NT (NT4)
Windows 2000 (NT5)
Windows XP (NT 5.1)
Windows Server 2003 / XP pro 64/ Home server (NT 5.2)
Windows Vista (NT 6.0)
Windows Vista SP1/Server 2008 (NT 6.1)


And actually, i do think MS could do quite well as a redhat-type company selling support and certifications.

[khess]

I know those number but when you rename a product and redo it, that's more than a minor revision change: 5.0 to 5.1. They are grasping at trying to keep their OS fresh and I think calling it simply, Windows Desktop will do it.

[HABTAMU WORKU]

what is the real differance between windows xp and windows vista?

[windowsrefund]

The issue with Microsoft's products has to do with their crippling license agreements. We can call it whatever we want to but it's the EULA that gives Microsoft full control over your data and computer(s). Frankly, I find it laughable that a "technical writer" would be happy with a lifetime supply of Microsoft products. That's like asking for a life sentence in prison.

Really, you should empower yourself with Free Software that respects and protects your freedoms. Get GNU/Linux and leave this EULA crap in the past where it belongs.

[mogafett]

It's cheque NOT check. You make yourself out to be an authority but in fact you talk complete rubbish. I think your whole article sounds like it is fuelled by jealousy and bitterness. I will tell you what will happen, yes Microsoft will copy the cream of the ideas and innovations or simply buy them and re-brand them. I wish I was in their position as I bet you do secretly. Like it or not, Microsoft accelerate innovation and technologies by their actions. If everything was left to the Dev's we would not be where we are today and technology would be that of 1995 or there about. A blend of the Dev's and the commercial appetite of Microsoft is a good thing. Please be brave enough to keep this article and don't block it as it contradicts your comments. Mogafett.

[mogafett]

PS You wouldn't catch Bill Gates in open toed sandals and white socks. As I said....a blend is good...open your eyes...http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/linus/le2.jpg

PS You don't wear open toed sandals too, do you? It would explain a lot.

[scru]

I'm sorry, how can anyone take this seriously? This article is obviously a joke.

Take for instance: "What changes has Microsoft made to compete with Linux?"
Assuming the writer is talking about the desktop arena (and from the rest of his post I would say he is), he either has a great sense of humor or is hopelessly deluded. If even he'd said something like "What changes has Microsoft made to compete with Mac?" then it would have been a question to take seriously; at least with Mac there's actual competition.

And Microsoft Desktop. Don't you get it? he's knocking the way Microsoft sometimes picks these severely dumbed-down names for its products.

Thank you, Ken Hess, for tickling my funny bone. (As always)

[khess]

@windowsrefund

A lifetime supply of MS products would give me all the fodder I would ever need for thousands of articles.

[khess]

@mogafett

I'm not British. Cheque is for those who speak the Queen's English. American English is Check. Oh, I do have a secret love for Microsoft...oops...cat's out of the bag! <wink>