Event Summary
Recently,
Microsoft published instructions on how to remove Linux OS and install Windows
2000/NT4 on the newly-freed-up disk drive. Not to be outdone, Linux-philes have
countered by publishing instructions on how to remove a Windows OS and replace
it with Linux. To close the circle, Paul Ferris, Editor at Linux Today, highlighted
the silliness by publishing his own mostly-joking piece on how to uninstall
both Windows and Linux. (His directions lead to a wiped out disk drive, of course.)
Market
Impact
Alone,
these documents will have minimal market impact, except to provide fodder for
the pros/antis on both sides to complain about the other and their tactics.
Operating system market growth will not be affected by these pieces. Regarding
the individual OSes, there are three likely reactions from those who are actually
following this mini soap opera: (1) "Who cares?"; (2) "Boy, I'm so angry at
their tactics, I'm going to show them by picking the other OS", or (3) amused
disinterest . We think Scenario #3 is far more likely than #1 or #2 - people
just aren't getting as upset at Microsoft's tactics of this type as they did
in the past.
However,
from a corporate standpoint, this indicates that Microsoft is taking the Linux
threat even more seriously. Although MS has not ignored Linux, this is viewed
as yet another potshot from Redmond. Frankly, we think the so-called "Halloween
memo" from 1998 and the "Linux Myths" website posting were greater indicators
of Microsoft's worry. With Linux accounting for approximately 15% of server
shipments in 1998 and expected to increase in 1999, its worry is understandable.
However, Microsoft is presently in little danger of being stomped by Linux.
But if MS starts feeling even more threatened, we would not be surprised to
see "more of the same" vis--vis anti-Linux tracts.
If
things get personal enough, we can envision a tag-team match between Microsoft
(Bill "Crusher" Gates and Steve "Mr. Intensity" Ballmer) and Team Linux (Eric
"FUD Killer" Raymond and Bob "Hat of Doom" Young). Yes, we know it is silly,
but hardly more so than other back-and-forth sniping we see.
User
Recommendations
As readers have probably guessed, we view this stuff as just so much pre-wrestling-match
shouting. Unless users have been dying to find a way to change their operating
system, this catfight should be ignored. Purchasing decisions should of course
be made on product features, not who can trash whom more effectively.
Users
who have a slightly warped sense of humor, as we do, should sit back and enjoy
the fireworks. Or seek out more pieces like Paul Ferris's.