I think I'm going to need more coffee to process this. Did I wake up in opposite land? Microsoft actually genuinely have a tutorial up on how to install Linux.
This isn't actually all that odd, considering Microsoft have the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) but the actual tutorial isn't just about that although it does come first in their list (because of course it does). However, it also has instructions on using it inside a traditional Virtual Machine and how to install it bare metal on a machine directly and even talks about dual boots. The tutorial isn't even half-bad, pretty reasonable actually.
Really the Microsoft of today is in many ways nothing like the Microsoft of old, although they do still do many questionable things getting into a list of that is not the point of this article.
Just kind of amazing to see how much of a turn-around Microsoft has had overall. There's the famous line from previous CEO Steve Ballmer saying that "Linux is a cancer that attaches itself in an intellectual property sense to everything it touches" back in 2001 to the "Microsoft Loves Linux" developer post in 2015. We've seen Microsoft call out upgrades to their Xbox Cloud Gaming for Linux and macOS, they regularly give out money to FOSS projects like GNOME, supporting their Edge browser directly on Linux, Microsoft also joined the Open Invention Network and lots more making Microsoft seem a lot more open.
With Windows 10 coming to end of support in October 14, 2025 and the free upgrade path from older Windows is now actually finally closed too maybe more people might actually need a free operating system.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
It makes sense to support Linux. The maturity and adoption of Linux is large enough that any investment into it gets you more back than you put in. It makes good economic sense. Just look at all the other companies that have done the same thing (IBM, Intel, AMD, Valve, etc).
I do hope more adoption and migration continues. It would be nice to see more user programs make thier way over (looking at you, office)
Quoting: g000h- Pushing customers towards subscription software agreements, rather than permanent licenses.
I really don't like subscriptions, I think they are silly.... But I don't think it's fair to claim that's an "evil" that belongs just to Microsoft when that's literally the business model for almost every Linux OS company (support subscriptions).
Even then, of the subscriptions, I do like IBM's/Red Hat's version "you can still use the software if you cancel, you just can't upgrade it". I think you are also prohibited from connecting to cloud services in IBM's case as well, but I'm a little fuzzy there.
Last edited by denyasis on 12 October 2023 at 6:30 pm UTC
BlackBloodRum Oct 12, 2023
Kuduzkehpan Oct 12, 2023
Quoting: ArehandoroI still think that Windows will end up being a Linux distribution, and that I will not trust Microsoft any time.if it is opensource i will trust it but at that time we will already have anyother linux as prime desktop os.
And as a being company education is important and educating employees is biggest investment.
Mountain Man Oct 12, 2023
Microsoft
Microsoft Linux
I expect it will happen eventually.
Quoting: ArehandoroI still think that Windows will end up being a Linux distribution, and that I will not trust Microsoft any time.
Yep, I used to work for a company that had access to the Windows Source code. There were various kernels that I would write my drivers for. They of course had the kernel source for Amd64, Arm64, and others. During the whole Windows Phone debacle, eventually you saw an Android source repo. Windows Phone died and then came the Android version of MSFT phones. Now looks whats happening. You have CBL-Mariner (MSFT's Linux distro). Originally a light weight Linux distro for Azure containers and now as container host as well. With the push for Office 365, soon MSFT will add their own custom user land, just like Google does with ChromeOS. You'll get your Office 365 instance and it will be a desktop CBL-Mariner instance. The writing is on the wall for sure.
Quoting: denyasisInteresting article!
I really don't like subscriptions, I think they are silly.... But I don't think it's fair to claim that's an "evil" that belongs just to Microsoft when that's literally the business model for almost every Linux OS company (support subscriptions).
There is a difference between making available permanent licences and then taking them away later - Microsoft, Adobe, etc. - Rather than offering a subscription deal from the start (i.e. You know what you're getting into.) It is manipulatory and predatory behaviour designed to extract money from customers' wallets because the customer is already locked in to that ecosystem.
Last edited by g000h on 13 October 2023 at 3:19 am UTC
ElectricPrism Oct 13, 2023
QuoteArticle: I think I'm going to need more coffee to process this. Did I wake up in opposite land? Microsoft actually genuinely have a tutorial up on how to install Linux.
To all you star trek fans out there -- I see your avatars -- yes indeed, this is the Mirror Mirror universe.
I just hope in this mirror-mirror universe Linux has even more wins lined up since the unthinkable keeps happening daily.
Bingo 2023 and 2024 are going to be wild.
Linux_Rocks Oct 13, 2023
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