Sunday we reported on an interview with an MSI manager, who stated that internal research had shown that the return rate for the Linux version of MSI's Wind netbook was four times as high as that of the Windows XP version. He claimed that the unfamiliarity of people with Linux was the culprit. This claim sparked some serious discussion around the net, but now MSI's statement is being repeated by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu.
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Member since:2005-07-07
Why do you think Apple spends millions on those I'm a PC, I'm a Mac ad campaigns? While technical people may find those ads annoying, they are very effective in conveying the message that Macs are not PCs to the average consumer.
If you want Linux to succeed on netbooks, manufacturers need to get their act together and boldly advertise that Linux is NOT Windows and that it's better because of x, y, z, etc. Otherwise, you'll just end up with the situation we're currently in.
Member since:2006-06-12
Sad to say but it would suffice to put on Windows-like themes and icons and those people would'nt have a clue they are running another OS.
That's the problem I find with computer training in general: rather than teaching users about concepts, they are taught to work with a specific interface. Change the interface while keeping the same concept and everyone is lost. That would be like learning to drive a specific car make, and then be completely clueless about using any other type of car.
I agree that there should be much more communication about GNU/Linux. I remember some interactive apps HP had on its computers a decade ago, it was supposed to help new users get familiar with their OS. It might make sense to produce a DVD user manual, teaching people how to get familiar with Linux. But the problem might be having them open the DVD player app in the first place.
Member since:2005-07-06
If you want Linux to succeed on netbooks, manufacturers need to get their act together and boldly advertise that Linux is NOT Windows and that it's better because of x, y, z, etc. Otherwise, you'll just end up with the situation we're currently in.
But but but......surely you can't be suggesting that they MARKET Linux, are you?
I mean, that might differentiate the OS from Windows and OSX to the general public at large, causing people to be interested in it.
Member since:2005-09-13
//No matter if the OS you are coming from is pure crap and the new one is pure gold, it's still a pain, and it takes time. //
But that's not the case of going from XP to Linux. It's more like usable, well-supported OS to a geek toy that nobody understands.
XP is only "pure crap" if you're a complete dipshit.
Member since:
2007-03-29
People going for OSX know EXACTLY where they are going. They know they are NOT purchasing a PC, but a Mac, you can't really give this argument.
Here we are talking about people buying a very cheap computer, not really reading all the explanations, and thinking just like 99% of people "PC=Windows".
It will take time to make mentalities change... A change is painfull, always. No matter if the OS you are coming from is pure crap and the new one is pure gold, it's still a pain, and it takes time. Some people just can't put this effort and adapt. That's true for anything, not only for Linux or OS.
So is there anything really surprising in this news? To me, no. It's still good for Linux, as it's gaining new users. If someone thought that suddenly the adopt rate of Linux would explode, it's naive. Especially when a product has such a big market share that it's considered as a standard.
Let me give a very good example: how you install softwares. People used to the "Windows way" think it's the right way. Go on a website, download the file. Run it. The Linux way, with repositories is easier as long as the soft is in the repo, it's hard to deny this. Faster, safer, easier. Still, most Linux new users don't like it. It takes time to take this habit. Are they stupid to think like this? I don't think so. You can't clear 10 years of habits with an OS that easily.
Edited 2008-10-07 10:49 UTC