Why did Linux turn out to be a complete flop on the netbook?

Linux advocates claimed that Linux would be a major player in the netbook market. Unfortunately, Linux turned out to be a complete flop, like it is in every market. Very few companies sell netbooks with Linux operating systems.

Anyhow, why did Linux end in failure in the netbook market?

10 Responses to “Why did Linux turn out to be a complete flop on the netbook?”

  • Andrew S:

    Have you _looked_ at the netbook market recently? Or did you decide to make up some facts on the spot to fit in with your preconceived notions?

  • dav92178:

    too many idiots couldn’t figure out e-mail, digital cameras, & the internet without using windows…

  • Jack:

    It’s nothing about netbooks. The same thing happens when OEMs try to ship desktops running Linux. People walk into the store, see a Leyenucks computer, have no idea what it is, and buy a Windows box because they "Just wanna use Myspace and check e-mail and sync my iPod".

    Linux *is* a relatively major player in the netbook market simply by being available as a stock option, but Windows will win out by virtue of familiarity.

  • Monday:

    Well, I remember using Linux for the first time. And I gotta tell, you, despite all the documentation, it’s pretty darn hard to figure out. It’s just not as easy to use as Windows. Its a safe bet that most people who use Linux are already experienced with Windows/Mac and have a knowledge of computers to some extent. Newbie users just won’t get Linux!

  • .:

    Can’t run Adobe Master Collection on Linux.

  • Beryl 0.2.1/Ubuntu 9.04:

    Ubuntu Netbook Remix
    http://www.canonical.com/projects/ubuntu/unr
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Netbook_Remix

    I shall refrain from rising to your constant baiting.

    LUg.

  • Bdig85:

    I love Linux, but I’m hesitant to run it on its own. I have it installed alongside Windows, but when it comes time to work, I turn to Windows. It’s probably a lifetime of Windows brainwashing at play. There’s a mental block there. I’m afraid that there will be a program or a game that I’ll need that has no Linux counterpart, even though there are ways to get around it. Sometimes I get tired of tinkering around with Linux, trying to figure out how to make such and such work or trying to find a Linux replacement for a Windows program. In other words, there’s a bit of a learning curve to Linux that I don’t think most people can get beyond. They want to turn on the computer and get to work without having to tinker around.

  • Carling:

    Some of these answers wow Can’t run Adobe Master Collection on Linux. that’s how much they know, guessing, there is nothing you can’t do with Linux, the trouble is they have to learn, and that’s something they can’t do ((Learn))

    There is more free Linux software for Mac and Windows than you can buy for both systems put together,

    You most have a very short memory, Remember how windows user cried like little babies about Vista,, and that’s the reason vista was a big big flop they just could not hack it with Vista, and that will be the same reason 7 will be a jelly flop, The only way MS have made it so far is because they force every computer user to buy windows. most windows users move to the Mac, to get away from slow slow BSoD crash bang windows, and what’s happened they put windows on their Mac’s because even OS/x was to difficult for them

    start shouting this time next year when Linux takes the market by storm phones and computers, then you can shout why is everybody dumping windows,

    Nuff said on the matter,

  • Marko S:

    Mostly because Microsoft pushed Windows XP into netbooks almost for free to win market shares (don’t worry, they WILL raise the licensing fees pretty soon…).

    And because most people still think that "a computer" is the same thing as "Windows".

    Still, Linux is and will be more cost-effective solution. in netbooks, your Windows license is eating up about 20% or more of the system’s cost. If you choose Linux you save money, which you can put into a more expensive and capable netbook.

  • Nikko:

    because Linux is not driven by a business company. no promotion, cooperation.

    another point is user custom, in China here, people are used to Windows, many people dont know what is linux. They even prefer using Windows without License…

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