4 ms·

Shipping a Linux compatibility layer in the form of an integrated Linux virtual machine does not in any way equate bringing about a Linux desktop to the masses.

Shipping a Linux compatibility layer in the form of an integrated Linux virtual machine does not in any way equate bringing about a Linux desktop to the masses. It's shipping a Windows desktop that has a convenient way to do *NIX-style things, largely for developers who are leaving MS for Apple. It also takes away from the Linux community and future support for desktop hardware on Linux. This is hurting Linux, not helping.

mimixco 7y ago
It's the first step. No one has successfully deployed a Linux desktop to the mass market and I've outlined how MS could. And I think they will. It's actually a Very Good Thing for Linux because it cements its position as the underlying operating system -- something which is now required by enterprise IT. As I said, this will result in more desktops running Linux, not fewer. I've never been a big MS fan but I have to say this is quite smart and will very likely be hugely successful.
- newnewpdro 7y ago
  This is going to kill Linux's long-term ability to run directly on consumer hardware if it becomes the primary way people access a Linux userspace. Without users running Linux on current consumer hardware, its support to do so will atrophy. What MS is doing is the inverse of what's best for the users. We should be running the Libre kernel+drivers directly on the metal, if you need Windows run that in a VM.
  - deleted 7y ago
    [deleted]
- copperx 7y ago
  > I've outlined how MS could. And I think they will. This is completely insane and not Microsofty at all, Satya or not.
  - mimixco 7y ago
    Well, a few years ago I might have agreed with you, but even MS knows that Linux and open source have won the server. This is a company that open sourced .NET and sends people to Unity (not their product) for game development. The issue is, "What do (desktop) users want?" And the answer is obviously Windows. If they can have their Windows cake and IT can eat Linux, too, what's not to like?
indigodaddy 7y ago
Kind of agree. It is further cementing the idea that Linux for the Desktop is not going to ever really be a thing-- however it does serve to reinforce the idea that Linux is and will continue to be the undisputed King of the cloud and internet. Just the fact that MS is putting so much effort, dollars and resources into the Linux ecosystem buttresses this idea.

mimixco 7y ago

It's the first step. No one has successfully deployed a Linux desktop to the mass market and I've outlined how MS could. And I think they will. It's actually a Very Good Thing for Linux because it cements its position as the underlying operating system -- something which is now required by enterprise IT. As I said, this will result in more desktops running Linux, not fewer. I've never been a big MS fan but I have to say this is quite smart and will very likely be hugely successful.

newnewpdro 7y ago
This is going to kill Linux's long-term ability to run directly on consumer hardware if it becomes the primary way people access a Linux userspace. Without users running Linux on current consumer hardware, its support to do so will atrophy. What MS is doing is the inverse of what's best for the users. We should be running the Libre kernel+drivers directly on the metal, if you need Windows run that in a VM.
- deleted 7y ago
  [deleted]
copperx 7y ago
> I've outlined how MS could. And I think they will. This is completely insane and not Microsofty at all, Satya or not.
- mimixco 7y ago
  Well, a few years ago I might have agreed with you, but even MS knows that Linux and open source have won the server. This is a company that open sourced .NET and sends people to Unity (not their product) for game development. The issue is, "What do (desktop) users want?" And the answer is obviously Windows. If they can have their Windows cake and IT can eat Linux, too, what's not to like?

indigodaddy 7y ago

Kind of agree. It is further cementing the idea that Linux for the Desktop is not going to ever really be a thing-- however it does serve to reinforce the idea that Linux is and will continue to be the undisputed King of the cloud and internet. Just the fact that MS is putting so much effort, dollars and resources into the Linux ecosystem buttresses this idea.