Microsoft Asks Linux Users, NewsForge

[Basher52]

Hope this aint too bad...
seen this on another place and thought it would be nice for you to know...

Microsoft has started distributing two online surveys to Linux User Groups and Linux users in general, one asking primarily about home computer use, the other about business use. They apparently don't plan to release the results of their surveys, so we and other people in the open source community are asking you to look at them and post your answers and comments here and on other appropriate sites where, in open source style, everyone can see them. Read on for more information and links, and please help spread the word about these surveys; as far as we know, this is the first time Microsoft has asked Linux users why we use Linux instead of their products, and the more results, the merrier. Author's Note: I'll reveal some of *my* answers to Microsoft's questions in a comment I'll post shortly after this story goes live, just to kick things off.


http://www.newsforge.com/os/03/12/21/15 ... =82&tid=94

[Void Main]

I would *NEVER* give Microsoft *ANY* information, voluntarily. See my comment on Linux Today about it (that is if the article on Linux Today didn't seem to be broken at the moment). Microsoft will just use the results of these surveys against us. I know this with 99.9% certainty. And I don't read Newsforge any more either. They are bought and paid for.

EDIT: Linux Today apparently deleted the original link to the story with all the comments (including mine) and reposted it. Seems there was something broken. At any rate, *please* do not fill out the survey.

EDIT2: Also, I shouldn't say I would never give Microsoft any information voluntarily. They are welcome to all of my suggestions on this site. #1 would be to just ditch Windows and go with Linux.

[X11]

Microsoft are on the other end of Darl McBrides peace pipe, who the bloody hell do they think they are!

[Void Main]

I have an idea. Since Microsoft is so bold/arrogant as to ask "us" to take a survey to help them out I proprose we ask the same of them. I haven't put any thought into the questions but here is a start of what I was thinking:

http://voidmain.is-a-geek.net/survey/

The browser note at the top would only be shown to people who are using IE and/or Windows but I set it to show no matter what browser/OS you are using just so you know it is there. If we actually put together a survey and finish it I would set it back to only show if using IE/Windows. The reason I put this in is because from the comments I understand that you MUST have javascript turned on and MUST have your browser set to accept ALL cookies in order to take the survey. Also, from what I understand it pretty much only works with IE. AND it comes with one of M$s bone head EULAs. Again, I won't even look at the survey because I am appalled that M$ would ask me to take such a survey.

At any rate, if you think creating a counter survey is a bad idea just ignore it. If you have any ideas for questions let me know. The two questions I started it off with don't have to stay, just tried to get the ball rolling. Also if someone else has free time and would like to code it up I would be more than happy have you do it. :) I just think Microsoft should be asked the same that they ask of us.

[caveman]

Q) When that emulation of an operating system called windows
stops working - what do you do?

1) Reboot - and hope it solves the problem
2) Reinstall - and hope it solves the problem
3) Ask your friendly neighbors' wife for help
4) Install Linux - knowing it will help
5) All of the above - given some time!



Regards to all - and have a very pleasant festive season!

May the fleas of a thousand camels infest william henry gates iii
and anybody that supports m$.

[[root@localhost /]#]

Q) If you were to be rulling windows on a large enterprise scale, and a new patch or service pack what do you do?

1) Install it Immediately and hope it will fix any and/or all OS related problems
2) Wait for all users to leave for the night or weekend and roll it out then
3) Pay a 3rd party to come in and roll it out for you
4) Wait until there is a problem that only this update can fix
5) Not update as well