Microsoft's retail pamphlets suggest Linux is rubbish

by Stevie Smith - Sep 9 2009, 15:00

All may be fair in love and war, but that doesn’t necessarily translate well to the cutthroat worlds of technology and retail. Specifically, as Microsoft gears up to the release of its Windows 7 operating system (OS), it has begun circulating documentation to U.S. retailers that slams the worth of Linux-based platforms.

According to the somewhat disparaging information, the majority of prospective software customers gravitate towards Windows because Linux operating systems offer limited capabilities and function with markedly less peripherals and online services than Windows.

And if that slap to the face of compatibility isn’t sufficiently damaging, Microsoft also criticises Linux-based platforms for lacking official authorised support services, video chat functionality through most messaging clients, and also failing to offer blanket coverage for computer games.

Related news reports from the likes of Advanced Linux Technology suggest staff at popular U.S. retailers such as Best Buy and Office Depot have been drilled by Microsoft as to the shortfalls of Linux usage via informative booklets and even a slide-based training course.

While devoted Windows users might doubt the legitimacy of the claims being made against Microsoft, the Redmond-based technology giant is evidently not shying from the spotlight where its anti-Linux pamphlets are concerned.

“Microsoft works with its partners to help them prepare to sell our products in a competitive marketplace,” commented a Microsoft spokesperson to The Register regarding some Linux-bashing slides sent to Best Buy.

“This deck, which is just one of many reference materials we provide our retail partners, was specifically developed to show sales professionals the important differences between Linux computers and Windows computers so they are well equipped to help customers purchase a PC that gives them the experience they expect,” the company representative added.

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