Criticism of Linux
Criticism of Linux focuses on issues concerning use of the Linux operating system as a desktop workstation.
Viability for use as a desktop system
Linux has been criticized in the past for being inadequate for desktop use, notably because of the perceived lack of viable versions of widely used applications (especially office suites) and hardware support issues,[1] which is claimed particularly problematic for laptop users as they tend to use many proprietary devices. A steep learning curve of Linux beyond basic use, various incompatibilities with other operating systems, and difficulty involved with setting up hardware are also notable complaints. Further, Linux has been accused of being "not ideal" for intermediate power users.[2][3][4]
More recent Linux distributions have directly addressed these concerns and have greatly improved Linux as a desktop operating system.[5]
A report in The Economist in December 2007 concluded:
"Linux has swiftly become popular in small businesses and the home. That’s largely the doing of Gutsy Gibbon, the code-name for the Ubuntu 7.10 from Canonical. Along with distributions such as Linspire, Mandriva, Mint, Xandros, OpenSUSE and gOS, Ubuntu has smoothed most of Linux’s geeky edges while polishing it for the desktop.
Criticism by Microsoft
Microsoft has targeted extensive criticism at Linux through their Get the Facts campaign.[6] In particular, they claim that the vulnerabilities of Windows are fewer in number than those of Linux distributions,[7] that Windows is more reliable and secure than Linux,[8][9] that the total cost of ownership of Linux is higher (due to complexity, acquisition costs, and support costs),[10] that use of Linux places a burden of liability on businesses, and that “Linux vendors provide little, if any indemnification coverage.”[11] In addition, the corporation published various studies in an attempt to prove this — the factuality of which has been heavily disputed[12][13] by different authors who claim that Microsoft’s comparisons are flawed.
See also
References
- ^ Andy McCue (9 September 2005). "Gartner sounds desktop Linux warning". ZNet.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)- ^ Sharon Machlis (22 March 2007). "Living (and dying) with Linux in the workplace - A brief foray into Linux for the enterprise". Computerworld (Australia). Retrieved 2007-04-15.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)- ^ Ron Miller (20 May 2004). "Linux criticism revs up - backlash against success". Linux Planet. Retrieved 2007-04-08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)- ^ Alexander Wolfe (9 April 2004). "Green Hills calls Linux 'insecure' for defense". EE Times. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)- ^ The Economist (2007). "Technology in 2008". Retrieved 2008-04-01.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help)- ^ "Get the Facts Home". Microsoft website. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ^ "Get the Facts on Linux and Windows: Security". Microsoft website. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ^ "Get the Facts on Linux and Windows: Reliability". Microsoft website. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ^ "Windows v Linux security: the real facts". The Register. 22 October 2004.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)- ^ "Get the Facts on Linux and Windows: Total Cost of Ownership". Microsoft website. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ^ "Get the Facts on Linux and Windows: Intellectual Property Indemnification". Microsoft website. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ^ Joe Barr (24 June 2005). "The facts behind the "Get the Facts" ad campaign". Newsforge. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)- ^ Nicholas Petreley (22 October 2004). "Security Report: Windows vs Linux". Retrieved 2007-05-12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
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