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Ex-Microsoftie Now Linux Wonk

Keith Curtis had a pretty good gig at Microsoft Research, an organization I have incredible respect for. In fact, few know just how much this group does to tackle the world's biggest problems.

Now Curtis is a software advocate, much like the folks at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. In his case, Curtis is pushing Linux on the desktop. In fact, he thinks Microsoft should dump Windows clients and do its own version of Linux.

Here's my view: I like competition and choice. Windows, the Mac and Linux are all in the desktop game. Why give up one of these choices? And as much as Linux stands out on servers, it's going nowhere fast on the desktop. My advice to the Linux camp? Get serious about the desktop and come up with one solid, easy-to-use version. Microsoft should stick with Windows.

Who's right, Curtis or Barney? Vote at dbarney@redmondmag.com.

Posted by Doug Barney on 11/11/2009 at 4:36 PM


Reader Comments:

Fri, Nov 13, 2009 BWJ Texas

I'm right there with Barney. I think the competition between differing products is the best for all of us. There are things that Mac, Windows, *nix, all do very well. They are always trying to 1 up each other, and that's to our benefit. Microsoft should stick to Windows, and W7 is a step in the right direction.

Thu, Nov 12, 2009 Conic

I love Linux! Having said that, I also love having a choice. I think Windows should stay around because it is another choice. Each individual should be able to make their own choice as to what they want to use. Because I believe in having a choice, I disagree that Linux should have 1 desktop. The thing with Linux is that even though you can pick any of a plethora of desktops to use, many of them still run the programs from other desktops. I prefer Gnome on Linux, but I really like some of the apps from KDE. No problem, the 'K' apps run just fine in my Gnome desktop. When I'm feeling like using KDE for my desktop, I can still use my Gnome apps! Windows is my bread and butter. I have never really been a fan of Microsoft. Even still, I will not be the one to tell people what they should or shouldn't use. I let them decide that on their own, even if they are wrong in choosing Windows. ;)

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 RIM

Microsoft is screwing up Windows Client because they need ongoing releases in order to keep the cash cow going. The problem is they are pushing out function that software engineers think is cool vs. what the market wants to buy. Windows doesn’t need more “glitz” – it needs simplicity, reliability, performance, security, low software cost, and ability to run on inexpensive hardware. Windows client has an advantage in Windows-inclined shops because it is so synergistic with Windows Server. But if they continue to screw up, Linux and Apple will increasingly prosper.

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 Bob Miami, FL

I've been in IT since '77 and have seen companies come and go. People are the ones that decide which technology they want to adapt. For awhile Microsoft had the whole pie. We've seen as people have adapted to technology, we have other competitors. That's what drives innovation. Just as Apple with the iPhone was alone in the market, now comes Google with Android. More people are adapting to technology and making wiser choices, because they have more choices. Having more choices will lead to even more innovation. Who knows who we will be talking about at this same time next year.

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 Dave Earth

So Microsoft should get out of the server, Smartphone, video game, office applications, and stick to Windows. So they can finally get one version of Windows right?

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 vicden

I think you both have a valid point, MS should stick with Windows, regardless of my personal opinion of their software, I know many people would have fits if it went away. But it wouldn't hurt them to take a serious look at Linux. And BTW, for a so;lid, easy to use Linux desktop---take a look at Ubuntu. I recommend it frequently to students whose old computers just won't support Windows anymore.

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