Windows 7 vs Linux

Now that Windows has come out with Windows 7 (don't they have a cool name for this one?) the debate is on again that Linux is dead. What do you think?

I couldn't disagree more. Though I have not had the opportunity to work with Windows 7 yet, I have several reasons why I don't think Linux will ever die at the hands of any version of Windows.

1. Window has no plans of going open source. As long as this is true, you will never be able to truly customize Windows to fit your needs.

2. A quick check on Newegg proves that Windows 7 promises to sport a hefty price tag, just like all the other Microsoft products.

3. Windows 7 isn't a server OS, so it won't compete with Linux in Linux's largest market.

4. As long as Windows retains the largest market share, it will also retain the largest number of viruses and other attacks.

I think the summary answer to the question is that Windows 7 and Linux don't necessarily compete head to head. Both systems have niche markets and I don't think either system will penetrate the other's niche. Windows server edition is a greater threat to Linux than Windows 7.

Is there room for both Windows and Linux? And what about Apple?

Yes, and the answer goes back to niche markets. Windows is and probably will remain the primary business OS because of it's user friendliness and price point.

Apple has a market in the graphic design and multi media market.

Linux has the open source crowd. As long as all those different types of needs exist there will be room for all 3 operating systems.

Have you looked at Windows 7 yet? What are some of the new features that might make you upgrade your system to it?

I have not had an opportunity to work with 7 yet, but the advertised feature that jumps out at me right away is speed. I would definitely consider upgrading from Vista for a snappier OS.

The other advertised feature that I find very appealing is improved boot times. Waiting 2 or more minutes for Vista to finally load gets pretty old. Microsoft has a long way to go to keep up with distros like Xanros Presto! which claim boot times for a partial OS in just seconds.