Reaction Paper on Microsoft vs. Linux

“The Downfall of the Dominant?”

Dominance – a term that might characterize the role that Microsoft has been and desires to continue playing when it comes to the world of technology. With the passage of time, Microsoft produces more and more products through which it generates billions of dollars, making the richest man Bill Gates, its founder, even richer. Nevertheless, the company faces a great threat particularly from Linux which provides what is known as “open source software,” which refers to software that a person can obtain and install in his computer free from any charges.

I agree that Microsoft has been a producer of quality software that has already been tried and tested through the years. However, I am not belittling the open source software which is being created and increasingly gaining popularity. That is why I am not in favour of the actions undertaken by Microsoft in order to weaken and eventually destroy free software. First, during these times of financial instability, it is somewhat impractical to spend a large amount of money to purchase expensive software when one might actually get something similar for free. Second, the development of these open source software helps promote competition, hence preventing monopoly in this industry.

The essay regarding the ongoing struggle between Microsoft and Linux expounds on three tactics employed by Microsoft in order to gain the victory. Through careful study of the material, there are three things that I have noticed. First, Microsoft attacks Linux from the inside as what has been implied by their first two strategies. The actions of Microsoft like adopting open source languages and building partnerships with various Linux sellers are subtle in nature. Moreover, these result in the strength impairment of the Linux community which will be of great advantage to Microsoft. Second, Microsoft also attacks Linux from the outside. This is done through the third strategy where Microsoft tries to threaten...