Windows more wanted on netbooks than Linux

A new data provided by NPD Retail Tracking Service report states that Windows installation rate on netbooks has increased from 10 per cent in the first half of 2008 to 96 per cent in February of 2009. 

Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager, stated the consumers want Windows to be installed on their netbooks, mainly because they “expect the Windows experience.” He added that “those that try Linux are often returning it." 

Although, the NPD data did not indicate which version of Windows was being installed on netbooks, Microsoft’s financial results show that it is Windows XP not Windows Vista. However, it is expected that Window XP will no longer be this popular after the launch of Windows 7. Consequently, it means that there will be a whole new stage of competition.

It should also be stated that AT&T announced a pilot program on offering netbook with a service plan, and Verizon was reported to be considering a similar move, while T-Mobile is going to bundle Google's Android OS-based tablet computer with its service later this year.

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, urges companies simply making a PC, installing an operating system, and selling it to the user, instead to offer a full unique device with hardware, software, operating system, and wired/wireless internet service.