Jack Wallen believes that Microsoft Linux is the next evolution of Microsoft desktop operating systems. He explains why this will be a win-win for Microsoft, IT professionals, users and the Linux community.
My esteemed colleague Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols has an excellent article on sister site ZDNet called “Linux-based Windows Makes A Lot of Sense” in which he discusses the arguments of Eric S. Raymond, That we are approaching the final phase of the desktop war. Vaughan-nichols guessed that the next logical step would be a Windows interface running on top of the Linux kernel.
This makes sense, especially given Microsoft’s efforts on the Linux subsystem (WSL) for Windows. However, from everything I’ve seen over the past few years, I think a more meaningful conclusion can be drawn for Microsoft.
Microsoft Linux: Why is it the best solution
At one time, Microsoft’s biggest moneymakers were software, Windows and Microsoft Office to be exact. But, like everything in the tech industry, evolution happens, and tech companies that reject it fail.
Microsoft understands this, and it has evolved. A case in point: Microsoft Azure. Microsoft’s Cloud computing services, along with AWS and Google Cloud, have become huge drivers of this changing industry. Azure has become a cash cow in Microsoft’s new world — so much so that the company, which has a monopoly on desktop computers, has begun to realize that there may be a better way to use desktop computers.
This advantage is easy to achieve with Linux, but not Linux as you might think. Vaughan-nichols’ suggested Microsoft Linux may be a good stepping stone for Microsoft, but I believe the company needs to make a bigger leap. I’m talking about a moonshot scale leap – one that will make life easier for everyone involved.
I’m talking about getting into Linux. Forget the desktop version running the Windows 10 interface on top of the Linux kernel, and finally admit that Microsoft Linux is probably the best solution in the world today.
A full Linux distribution by Microsoft would mean less frustration for all involved. Microsoft can move its development efforts on the Windows 10 desktop to a more stable, reliable, flexible and proven desktop. Microsoft can choose its official style from any number of desktop systems: GNOME, KDE, Pantheon, Xfce, Mint, Cinnamon… Too many to list. Microsoft can use desktops as they are, or it can contribute to them by creating something more comfortable for users.
Development: Microsoft is not off the hook
That doesn’t mean Microsoft is off the hook on the development front. Microsoft also wants to make a significant contribution to Wine to ensure that all of its products run smoothly at the compatibility layer and are integrated into the operating system by default, so end users don’t have to do any extra work to install Windows applications.
Windows users need Defender
The Microsoft development team is also looking to port Windows Defender to this new distribution. Wait a moment. What? Am I really suggesting that Microsoft Linux needs Windows Defender? Yes, I’m sure. Why is that?
End users still need to guard against phishing scams, malicious urls and other types of attacks. The average Windows user may not realize that the combination of Linux and secure usage practices is far more secure than Windows 10 and Windows Defender. So, yes, porting Windows Defender to Microsoft Linux will be a good step to keep your user base comfortable.
These users will quickly learn what it’s like to work on a desktop computer without having to deal with the daily hassles of the Windows operating system. Updates are smoother, more reliable, more secure, and more meaningful on the desktop.
Win-win for Microsoft, users and IT professionals
Microsoft has been doing everything it can to move users from standard client-based software to the cloud and other hosted solutions, and its software cash cow has become web-centric and subscription-based. All of these Linux users can still use Microsoft 365 and any other software-as-a-service Software as a Service (SaaS) solution it must offer — all because of the comfort and security of the Linux operating system.
This is a win-win for Microsoft and consumers, as Windows has less headaches to deal with (by catching bugs and making security patches to its proprietary solutions) and consumers can get a more reliable solution without missing anything. If Microsoft plays their cards right, they can retheme KDE, or almost any Linux desktop environment, so that it doesn’t differ much from the Windows 10 interface.
If laid out properly, consumers may not even know the difference — Windows 11 will simply be the next evolution of Microsoft’s desktop operating system.
Speaking of winning, IT professionals will spend less time dealing with viruses, malware, and operating system problems, and more time keeping the network (and the servers that power IT) running and secure.
What about big box stores?
This is a key point. For this to really work, Microsoft would have to abandon Windows altogether and use its own style of Linux. Along the same lines, Microsoft needs to make sure all the PCS in its stores are running Microsoft Linux. There are no half-measures – Microsoft must pull out all the stops to make this transition a success.
Once big-box stores start selling PCS and laptops with Microsoft Linux installed, I predict this move will be a huge success for all involved. Microsoft will be seen as finally delivering an operating system that consumers can trust; Consumers will have a desktop operating system that doesn’t cause a lot of headaches, but is really productive and fun; The Linux community will eventually dominate desktop computing.
Microsoft Linux: The time has come
You might think this idea is crazy, but if you really think about it, the evolution of Microsoft Windows is moving in this direction. Why not skip halfway through this timeline and jump straight to an end game that brings success to all involved? Microsoft Linux is right on time.
Via: www.techrepublic.com/article/cou…
By Jack-Wallen, wXY
This article is originally compiled by LCTT and released in Linux China