Netbooks open door to Windows alternatives
As netbooks surge in popularity, open-source Linux-based operating systems have established a toehold on the low-cost, stripped-down computers as an alternative to Microsoft Corp's Windows.
Although analysts say no more than 15 to 20 percent of netbooks are running Linux platforms such as Ubuntu, the growing demand for the devices has jolted Microsoft, whose Windows Vista operating system was too bulky to run on many netbooks.
The first netbooks to emerge in 2007, such as Asustek's Eee PC, ran Linux. Microsoft quickly recovered by making its older Windows XP operating system available on netbooks, where it is now the dominant platform. The average consumer is still more comfortable with the ease and familiarity of the Windows experience.
But the contest may still be in the early innings. The expected release of laptops running Google Inc's (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Linux-based Android operating system -- which many including Microsoft are predicting -- would inject fresh competition into the market.
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