Microsoft News

The rocky release of Windows 8 has left some users wondering about alternatives. Apple’s OS X, though an obvious choice, is an expensive and dramatic switch. Linux is less intimidating – because it’s free. However, users haven’t flocked to the penguin in droves because of its fractured ecosystem, lack of familiar software, and steep learning curve.

Canonical, and the developer community around it, have been working to remove these barriers for almost nine years. They seem to be doing a good job, as Ubuntu is now the world’s most popular Linux distribution for desktop and laptop PCs. But does that mean the average user can really replace Windows? Let’s take a look.

Installation and first-time setup

Even installing Linux has often proven a trial in the past. Complicated, arcane installers reliant on command-line navigation or user-created ISOs used to be typical, but Ubuntu has put a lot of effort into resolving this issue, and, for the most part, has succeeded.

Downloading Ubuntu from the official website is easy. There are two well-labeled options: one for users who want cutting-edge features, and another for users who prefer long-term support. Each downloads can be had in 32-bit or 64-bit flavor.

Ubuntu does rely on third-party utilities to create a boot DVD or USB stick, but the on-site documentation is excellent. Those who don’t want to create their own boot media can try the Windows Installer (named Wubi) or order Ubuntu DVDs for about $10.

Installation, once it begins, is a breeze. By our watch, the process can be completed in less than 20 minutes. Surprisingly, the look and feel of the installer is on par with Windows and is actually even less confusing. Anyone who has used an installation wizard will feel at home.

　　Microsoft has relaxed requirements for Windows 8 certification, allows the device to configure the display lower resolutions. Analysts saying the move was Microsoft may soon be introduced smaller, cheaper tablets.

　　Market research firm IDC analyst Bob O’Donnell said, “this year, the 8-inch tablet will take up the entire Tablet market 55%. Microsoft had not yet reached the market, it needs to introduce the products. ”

　　Microsoft says that, although Windows 8 device resolution minimum 1024 pixel X768 pixel, but still want to use higher resolution display, “this does not mean that we encourage partners to use lower-resolution display screen. In fact, we encourage our customers to use higher resolution displays, provide excellent Windows experience. Greater design flexibility helps partners for certain products in the market. “

　　According to Microsoft’s requirements before, Windows 8 and Windows lower RT device resolution is 1366 x768 pixels, display aspect ratio of 16:9. Reduces resolution requirements will Windows 8 and Windows RT is similar to Apple iPad mini. IPad mini configuration X768 pixel resolution of 1024 pixels display, aspect ratio of 4:3.

　　Analyst’s interpretation of Microsoft reducing certification requirements are: manufacturers introduced smaller sized Windows 8 and Windows RT Tablet release, may also launch small size means Microsoft Surface, and priced at $ 329 iPad Samsung Galaxy Mini and Note 8 for market share. Galaxy Note 8 configuration X800 pixel resolution of 1280 pixels display.

　　Market research company Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi said, “there is no doubt that Microsoft is interested in, 7-inch tablet. For consumers, content consumption is very important, so the smaller size is ideal. ”

　　Milanneixi and Nell have pointed out that, because of the smaller screen size, price lower, 7-inch tablet, Microsoft has not entered this market so far. Nell said, “the problem is that Microsoft’s small form factor Tablet PC is how low the price of? may be as low as $ 399, but it needs to slow down to $ 299. ”

　　Milanneixi said that Microsoft and its partners will need to compete with the $ 199 Android tablet, instead of merely targeting iPad Mini. To this end, Microsoft also want to reduce the resolution of other indicators. Milanneixi says, “in order to stimulate the development of small size Windows Tablet market, Microsoft still needs to cut Windows RT license prices. ”

　　Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox video-gaming system doesn’t violate the patent rights of Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Motorola Mobility unit, a U.S. trade judge said.

　　In a one-paragraph notice yesterday, U.S. International Trade Commission Judge David Shaw sided with Microsoft in the case. His findings are subject to review by the six-member commission, which has the power to block imports of products that infringe U.S. patents.

　　The judge’s findings relate to a patent for a way to establish communication between the Xbox and accessories. It’s all that’s left of a case that originally involved five patents, including two on widely used technology for video decoding, and led to accusations by Microsoft and regulators that Motorola Mobility was misusing patents to thwart competition.

　　“We are pleased with the Administrative Law Judge’s finding that Microsoft did not violate Motorola’s patent and are confident that this determination will be affirmed by the Commission,” David Howard, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, said in a statement.

　　Google can petition the commission to overrule the judge’s findings and impose an import ban.

　　“We are disappointed with today’s determination and look forward to the full Commission’s review,” Matt Kallman, a Google spokesman, said in a statement.

　　Popular Console

　　Motorola Mobility, then a standalone company, filed the ITC complaint in November 2010, in retaliation for Microsoft’s demands for royalties on phones using Google’s Android operating system. Microsoft has set up a licensing program for companies that make Android devices and won an exclusion order against Motorola Mobility phones using a feature called ActiveSync, which lets users coordinate schedules between their phones and personal computers.

　　The Xbox is the most popular game console in the U.S., ahead of the Sony Corp. PlayStation and Nintendo Co. Wii. Microsoft’s entertainment unit, which includes the Xbox, generated $9.6 billion in sales last year, or 13 percent of the company’s revenue, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

　　Shaw in April said four of the five patents in the case were infringed. The commission ordered him to revisit the case, in part because of a precedent-setting decision it issued in an unrelated case over differentiating whether the infringement occurred before or after the product was imported.

　　Motorola Mobility dropped the two video-decoding patents after Mountain View, California-based Google reached an agreement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in January regarding how it deals with patents that relate to industrywide standards. The other two that were dropped expire this year.

　　The ITC case is In the Matter of Gaming and Entertainment Consoles, 337-752, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington).

　　The civil contract suit is Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) v. Motorola Mobility Inc., 10cv1823, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (Seattle).