New Anti-Linux Propaganda from Microsoft
Screenshots obviously conditioning PC sales personnel to lie about Linux have been discovered in a US forum hosting Windows 7 training modules.
With the impending release of Windows 7, that in contrast to Vista supposedly runs at an acceptable speed on netbooks, Microsoft's marketing machine, faced with the enormous popularity of Linux in the netbook segment, has changed up a gear in its anti-Linux propaganda. What is commonly referred to as FUD in Internet jargon (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt), is being implemented in the form of a list of dubious facts used in Microsoft's sales training modules to drive customers back to Windows-- a well known tactic that Microsoft has used against Linux in the past.(see Halloween documents).
As usual, Microsoft's "Get the Facts" campaign spreads totally unsubstantiated lies about Linux which it calls fact. For example, the list claims that Linux offers no support for live video chat, commercial support for Linux is non-existent, and describes Linux's support of scanners, printers, digital cameras, iPods and mp3 services in general as scanty. Interesting is Microsoft's repeated claim that Windows 7 has a higher hardware compatibility than Linux - although it's clear that the new update to 7 will once more drop drivers for older devices. In opposition, Linux kernel developer, Greg Kroah-Hartman declared in October 2008 that Linux supports more devices than any other OS- including Windows. Kroah-Hartman says he can provide proof to back his statement and that a source inside Microsoft has even verified the fact.
Equally remarkable is Microsoft's claim that in the case of a security leak, Linux offers no guarantee of a patch- ignoring the fact that in the past, critical breaches in Linux have never been left for any notable length of time without a security patch being released. Unlike Windows, where a known security issue can stay un-patched for two years. Which shows that it's Microsoft that should be reticent of offering guarantees for patches.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
Shallow waters, more noise
Beginning of the end
A win for Linux