Is it my imagination or is there an increase in the number of people looking to join the Linux community because XP is about to lose it’s support?
Microsoft’s choices and this protracted recession could just be the making of Linux.
SGS 2 and Tapatalk are awesome.
Think you may well be right galaxytdm.
Jocklad
I’d like to think you were right but i’m not so sure
I have noticed one or two more people coming on this forum lately looking for a Linux alternative and that’s good and it’s up to us to give them the best help and advice we can, but I don’t think that indicates a mass exodus to Linux when Win Xp finally breathes it’s last,
For the most part when XP becomes unusable most will realise they dont actually need a PC to get on Facebook and just go smartphone or tablet or buy a shiney new PC preinstalled with the latest crippleware from Microsoft simply because there is no other choice available to them in the retail market place other than mac which is out of most peoples price range
The demise of XP (which is in my opinion is the best OS Microsoft ever produced) could be a golden opportunity for Linux to increase adoption but it wont happen because there is no one to market it because Linux doesn’t have a brandname that people can acossicate with, the only people who will turn to Linux are those who want a PC,have a mind of their own and an ability to think for themselves and sadly we are the minority
Quote:The demise of XP (which is in my opinion is the best OS Microsoft ever produced) could be a golden opportunity for Linux to increase adoption but it wont happen because there is no one to market it because Linux doesn’t have a brandname that people can acossicate with.
Quite true Emegra.
But that is up to the individual user…Windows …Linux …Or Mac.
How many businesses are still using XP…?
Quite a few i would Imagine.
Jocklad
Erm…
Best selling laptops on Amazon.co.uk
and
Best selling laptops on Amazon.com
I know you’re going to say that’s not “proper” Linux, but nobody said Linux = Ubuntu/Gnome/KDE/etc. … seems to me Linux has a few champions in the marketplace (specially if you also include Android) and the message that Windows isn’t your only option has already got through 
Hell, when are people going to stop waiting for Linux to “Win” … it already has in every sector that matters … Windows is in the middle of its death throws, and realistically there’ll only be one place for the few die hard desktop users that are left to turn when it’s gone.
It’s not the death of XP that will drive Linux and FOSS forward … it’s an inexorable march anyway 
Both XP and Linux are just following their natural paths … how many times have you seen in print “The death of XP”, and “The rise of Linux” … or “Windows failing in ” and “ running Linux”, or “ joins Linux foundation”, etc. ?
There’s a never ending stream of news about new sectors where Linux is succeeding … when was the last time you read some “good” Windows (or even Microsoft) news ?
I’m of the opinion that “critical mass” has been achieved, and you’re going to see an ever accelerating rush to market from an ever increasing number of OEM’s
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I asked in PC World if they have a laptop with Linux Ubuntu on it. They said “Whats that” I read somewhere that Microsoft is extending their support for XP. I don’t know how true that is.
I know you're going to say that's not "proper" Linux, but nobody said Linux = Ubuntu/Gnome/KDE/etc. .. seems to me Linux has a few champions in the marketplace (specially if you also include Android) and the message that Windows isn't your only option has already got through ;)
Ok we’ve had this debate before and I don’t think we’re gonna be anymore in agreement this time as we were last time,
the way I read it the OP post was referring to Win XP users looking for an alternative to upgrading to Win 7 or 8 or purchasing new hardware when XP reaches end of life, that would mean a traditional desktop, Chromebooks are not a replacement, without an internet connection there little better than a paperweight, you can’t even print without being online
This is from Googles own support page
Chromebooks can print with printers that you connect with Google Cloud Print. Using Google Cloud print, you can make that your home and work printers are available to you and anyone that you choose, from the applications that you use every day. Google Cloud Print works on your phone, tablet, Chromebook, PC, and any other web-connected device you want to print from.
Yes like Android they’re another Linux success story but the main reason they’re a success is because they’ve both had Googles marketing power behind them but I don’t think Chromebooks count in this context of this thread anyway
I do mostly agree with everything you said except this
I'm of the opinion that "critical mass" has been achieved, and you're going to see an ever accelerating rush to market from an ever increasing number of OEM's
I’ll believe that when I see it
Graeme
In these days of tethered smarthphones, and wifi hotspots all over the place, how often do you need a laptop, yet are truly without connectivity ?
Point is Chromebooks are selling, and if XP is only really left in the office … why should Chromebook connectivity be an issue ?
I’ve mentioned this before … someone wiser than I once inferred, Windows will implode and Linux will be what’s left. though it probably won’t be Linux as we know it today, and will have morphed into something else … and this was said BEFORE Android and ChromeOS
Why are you having problems with Chromebooks and Android being “Linux” ? … both are drawing from / feeding into the “Linux” kernel, neither would exist without “Linux” … you’re willing to accept your router and mp3 player probably use Linux yet neither look like a “normal” Linux desktop UI ???
I’m baffled why you aren’t seeing Windows shrivelling like I am ???
XP is Dead
Win7 - businesses aren’t going to be over the moon about upgrading from XP to an OS that’s already earmarked for termination.
Win8 is IMHO helping to drive people away from Windows altogether.
conversely…
“old school” Linux is being marketed by Dell again, and is becoming the backend for things like the SteamBox and home media devices such as PVR’s, etc.
“new school” Linux (Android, etc.) is BY FAR winning the “device” wars … Android is itself becoming a more capable platform (and I don’t expect that trend to stop) and as Windows dies will probably stretch its legs into the desktop (maybe Google will do it, but if not someone else will … there are already Android laptops)
Chromebook sales are on the rise, and in the public eye … and Google have stated they are going to extend it’s capabilities (including “offline”).
The biggest difference is that (and oddly Apple started this) the public no longer see Windows as the only (or even the best) option.
Businesses are seeing WIndows as something they’re “stuck with” rather than something they “want” … that feeling won’t last as other solutions come to the fore … including “cloud” solutions, that even Microsoft are pushing … a whole way of working that no longer “requires” Windows.
Do you really think Microsoft would be getting into cloud solutions that don’t require Windows if they hadn’t already seen the writing on the Windows/walls … hell, they know Windows is dead, that’s why they’re rushing to the cloud to offer their software as services on other OS’s / devices.
How I see it for business/corporate - there’ll be a move away from overpowered expensive standalone PC’s running Windows, and a move towards cheaper thin clients running everything from local and cloud servers … Linux is the obvious choice here as it’s well positioned through design for this kind of environment and will keep the costs down.
Linux in it’s many forms (and FOSS in general) has ALREADY won … all that’s left to do now is sit back and watch the last vestiges of an inefficient dying behemoth of an OS that nobody has anything good to say about turn to dust and blow away.
It’s all quite simple … Linux by its open nature immediately gets used to fill any niche that presents itself … Windows is presenting crack after crack
Damn … now I have RSI
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Why are you having problems with Chromebooks and Android being "Linux" ? .. both are drawing from / feeding into the "Linux" kernel, neither would exist without "Linux" .. you're willing to accept your router and mp3 player probably use Linux yet neither look like a "normal" Linux desktop UI
I absolutely don’t have a problem with Chromebooks or Android being Linux based quite the opposite all I’m saying is they’re not a replacement for a traditional desktop and the OP question was referring to traditional desktop users looking for an alternative to Win XP and would that alternative be Linux
Is it my imagination or is there an increase in the number of people looking to join the Linux community because XP is about to lose it's support?
XP is a traditional desktop operating system
Yes I agree computing is changing and the desktop is becoming less relevant and that was reflected in my original answer but the desktop isn’t dead and I believe there are still many people who still want a desktop experience (I’m one of them )
Businesses are seeing WIndows as something they're "stuck with" rather than something they "want" .. that feeling won't last as other solutions come to the fore .. including "cloud" solutions, that even Microsoft are pushing .. a whole way of working that no longer "requires" Windows.
I agree with that… I’m stuck with Windows in my business and I’m presently running XP not through choice but because there are are not the applications I need available for Linux (namely a decent accounting package) believe me I’ve looked, so (like many other people) between now and April I’m gonna have to make a decision, Chromebooks won’t cut it Android tablets won’t cut it and I’m not running my business in the cloud, I need a traditional desktop PC that will run traditional applications with or without an internet connection, sadly for me it looks like Win 7 but for many other people it doesn’t have to be it could be Linux.
The biggest difference is that (and oddly Apple started this) the public no longer see Windows as the only (or even the best) option.
I don’t really agree with that… many people don’t even know what an operating system ls… for all too many a computer is Windows and Windows is a computer it’s all part of the ignorance culture created and nurtured by Microsoft, how often have you seen the term “PC” being used to mean a Windows PC ? in much the same way many people outside the UK refer to Great Britain as England, most people don’t buy operating systems they buy computers/laptops and if traditional desktop Linux (ie Ubuntu, Mint etc) is to progress in terms of adoption it has to get itself on bare metal and on the retail shelves and compete
I'm baffled why you aren't seeing Windows shrivelling like I am ???
I do see that but it’s not gonna happen overnight, Windows is a dying dinosaur but ie Cannonical is not able to take full advantage of that and put it out it’s misery because they don’t have the marketing clout to put Linux forward as a viable alternative, Google has the marketing power but they’re trying to push us all into the cloud because that’s where they make their money, but there are still some of us who don’t want to go there lock stock and barrel
I’m not trying to undermine Linux or the great work that’s being done with it, the future is Linux but for now (as much as it pains me to say it) Microsoft still owns the desktop
PS What’s RSI ?
Graeme
RSI- repetitive strain injury, surely. I think Mark is saying he is repeating himself on this subject. I can see where you are both coming from, fortunately now being a “silver surfer” I am not tied to Windows and am enjoying my Linux experience. Have had Ubuntu 12.04 on desktop for a while but dual booted Peppermint4 on my ageing laptop due to the demise of XP, no way am I lashing out on a new laptop just because Windows says so!
The desk top is not dead and whilst I have 2 laptops it is my Desk top I use most of the time.
One main reason is that I can rebuild it every 4 - 5 years and add new components all by myself.
I have added RAM to lap tops and even a new battery on an accessible model but you can not rebuild a laptop let alone a tablet.
I have a smart phone and a tablet and find they are just not up to the job of when it comes to delivery what I need when out of the office.
Linux has a know symbol the Penguin it is up to users to market the different versions that they know works to people enquiring about Linux.
I came 18 months ago because XP was going…and I am not going back to Windows 8 just not my thing.
Oddly enough I agree with pretty much everything everyone has said.
From my point of view, at present, (trad) Linux will/can only win in the home desktop market.
I only say this because we run some very powerful 3D modelling software at work and it is not and according to the software company never will be supported/re-written for Linux. They say it’s just not worth the investment.
I’m sure we’ve all said it before but until core software suppliers (and I don’t mean games) start supporting Linux then it will never get a real foothold.
While I agree with Mark that Windoze is dead already and that Linux in one form or another is taking over the world I don’t see that as a Linux win. I would only count it as a Linux win when it is as ubiquitous as Windoze has been for the last 20 years, I can’t however see this ever being the case because it’s not even what I want from a future operating system.
I love my Android phone and what I would like to see is a box at home/ in the shopping mall/ in work/ everywhere where you walk up, dock your phone and it uses the more powerful hardware of the box and you can complete your tasks using a full keyboard and screen then undock put it in your pocket and walk away, by all means the boxes could and should be Linux but like now no one will ever know it.
Even when I tell people the world runs on Linux (TV,Sky box,PVR,servers routers) they refuse to believe it.
We’re sing the term “desktop” to mean both Laptops and Desktops that are running a “traditional” desktop OS
You mean GB doesn’t = England ? … I know there are Scots and Yorkshiremen and whatnot, but they are just minor counties in England right ? …
OK, the OP’s original question … YES, more people will look at Linux … be that Chromebooks, Android Devices, or just switching t a traditional Linux distro.
Do I think the death of XP = the death of Windows … NO not yet, but it’s another step in that inevitable direction.
I think Windows would die VERY quickly if there weren’t people saying “I can’t find a suitable accounts solution”, but sticking with applications that use proprietary formats is not going to help them when it does die.
My whole point is this is not down to you as a user, it’s purely down to a shift in computing … windows WILL die … it’s an ongoing process that’s happening right now in front of your eyes and is accelerating.
A few years ago, a few OEM’s started putting Linux on netbooks, Microsoft put a stop to that by bullying the OEM’s (I’ve seen it said that Linux died on netbooks because people were returning too many … that’s BS) … Microsoft are no longer in a position to bully their partners, who are now ALL making Android devices which are outselling the Windows boxes.
The software houses are all either making Android versions of their flagship products, or trying to produce another flagship product for Android, or are at SERIOUS risk of becoming irrelevant.
Software developers in particular are no longer writing stuff for Windows, it’s no longer where the market is … go on, try to name a major NEW piece of Windows only software that’s come out recently ?
The rush away from Windows is NOT down to YOU, and there’s little you can do to stop it … it’s simply that the hardware and software developers have moved on … either follow, or end up like old Amiganauts moaning on and on about how good it was, but ultimately being left behind.
The 3D modelling company may have said that when it seemed impossible that Windows wouldn’t be the dominant OS for ever … but I’m willing to bet they’re SERIOUSLY reconsidering their position now, or will be soon
“Core software” developers are ALREADY leaving Windows, and only appear to be in “maintenance” mode … they’re innovation efforts are elsewhere.
You mean GB *doesn't* = England ?
Not exclusively Mark, you know fine what I meant
I know there are Scots and Yorkshiremen and whatnot, but they are just minor counties in England right ?
If I didn’t know you better Mark I would think you were baiting me, that was a cheap shot and I will not rise to your bait ;D
Also you better hope there are no Yorkshiremen in here I don’t think they would take kindly to Yorkshire being referred to as a “minor county”
e by gum
Graeme
Yorkshire…God’s own country biggest county in England…land of Royalty and beauty. I live right on the border with Durham and North Yorkshire. I can confirm that Yorkshire folk are British Mark and Emegra…it’s the West Country boys you have to be wary of.
it 's the West Country boys you have to be wary of.
yep
I don’t think you’ll find anyone here that’ll disagree with that…well maybe one
There’s always one :
Erm … hold on…
Oh, yeah … OK … I’m a midlander
That is even worse!
You are aware I’m an admin here and therefore have the ability to edit your posts, right ? 
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