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That's what Robin Harris at ZDNet seems to think, and he's note alone in spreading the uncertainty. To summate why many pundits see the promising growth of Linux slowing:
- Netbooks, especially the very cheap ($200-$400) and small varieties, are seen as a huge growth area for the computer market, as wallets tighten and more computing life moves onto the internet.
- Windows 7 has nearly the same, if not a little lower, system requirements than Vista, and seems to be ready for netbooks.
- Linux was seeing some surprising popularity on netbooks (surprising for an OS with a normally single-digit share of the desktop market), which could be scuttled if Microsoft turns its marketing/market-pushing forces onto netbook makers.
- The average consumer is far more familiar with Windows than Linux, and devices makers are far more likely to provide Windows drivers.
But we do have to wonder: Could a resurgent Windows keep Linux, at least for the time being, as a true hobbyist's desktop? If Linux did/does grow through the netbook market, would average consumers start caring a lot less about having a Microsoft-made machine?
Tell us your take on Linux, netbooks, and that other OS you might have heard about in the comments.
Windows kicks Linux to the curb [ZDNet/Storage Bits via CrunchGear]
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