"We should whack them [Dell over GNU/Linux dealings], we should make sure they understand our value."

--Paul Flessner, Microsoft

Summary: Dell shoots back at Microsoft's false claims about GNU/Linux adoption and return rates

EARLIER THIS YEAR we wrote about Microsoft attacking GNU/Linux -- especially in sub-notebooks -- using lies. It was fueled by friendly 'analysts' and very friendly 'journalists' -- those who always promote Microsoft's business agenda. GNU/Linux-powered sub-notebooks are causing an enormous pain to Microsoft's business, so the equivalent of "Get the Facts" is all they have left at Microsoft's headquarters.

Over at IDG's OpenSource World, Dell's Todd Finch is quoted as saying that much of Microsoft's FUD is baseless (although not in these words).

Todd Finch, Dell senior product marketing manager, said the number of Linux returns are approximately the same as those for Windows netbooks. He categorized the matter of returns as a "non-issue".

"They are making something of nothing," he said of Microsoft's claims. Finch appeared to be referring to Dell's own netbook sales.

Here is some more commentary about the subject.

I realize Canonical is trying to be polite and stay to the moral high road, but the issue here is that there is a huge disinformation campaign on that Microsoft is “a changed company” or “finally gets Open Source”, and playing into that by …. generously …. stating Microsoft is “a great company” or “better than that”, is: 1. Just not true. 2. Supporting the lie that Microsoft has changed in some material manner.

So, while it is sad and no surprise Microsoft continues to lie and distort, it is nice to hear from a major player like Dell putting the smack down on FUD.

Here is a good new post from Jack Wallen where he advocates GNU/Linux on sub-notebooks, stressing that "Linux is not going anywhere but up in the netbook market." ARM-powered devices are on their way to the market.

I’ve read countless Microsoft-funded “studies” trying to persuade me that Windows is already dominating the netbook space. According to these studies, Linux might as well just take a curtain call because its act is over in the world of netbooks. That is simply not true. If it were, Asus wouldn’t be selling netbooks with Linux preinstalled.

After Microsoft's engagement in FUD and alleged kickbacks, the company is said to be colluding with Intel [1, 2], so Linux Magazine wrote some more about the subject.

When Windows 7 comes to market, the Starter Edition will be conceived especially for notebooks. As they did for Windows XP, Microsoft has come up with a list of technical limitations.

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service is already looking into Microsoft's abuse in this area. ⬆

Related posts:

• ASUS Enters the Slog Business
• More Suspicious Moves from ASUS
• It's Unofficial: Microsoft Pays ASUS (Kickbacks) to Block GNU/Linux. Will EU Commission Step in?
• ASUS: “Currently, We're Closely Tied up With Microsoft”
• What is Going on with ASUS and GNU/Linux?
• ASUS Profits Fall 94% After Getting “Closely Tied Up with Microsoft” at the Expense of GNU/Linux
• Microsoft Embracing, Extending, and Extinguishing Sub-notebooks
• Does Microsoft Blackmail Sub-notebooks Vendors?
• What Microsoft's Anti-Linux Taskforce in Wal-Mart Teaches Us About Sub-notebooks
• GNU/Linux is Killing Microsoft Financially in Sub-notebooks
• Intel Allegedly Colludes with Microsoft (Again) to Elevate Profit, Promote Windows
• Microsoft Watch on Microsoft vs Google and Microsoft vs Sub-notebooks