Google ditching Windows for Mac and Linux
0
Google has long offered employees a choice of OS for their computers. However, since January, subsequent to the security breaches and getting hacked, Windows installations on desktop computers were no longer allowed. Google employees were given the choice of Mac OS X or any approved Linux distributions, just not Windows.
Google's IT leaders feel that Microsoft's OS represents too great a risk across the enterprise to leave it in place. So that's 20000 Windows licenses that aren't going to be renewed.
For Windows users, it's something to think about, really.
Sources:
Financial Times
Engadget
TUAW
Google's IT leaders feel that Microsoft's OS represents too great a risk across the enterprise to leave it in place. So that's 20000 Windows licenses that aren't going to be renewed.
For Windows users, it's something to think about, really.
Sources:
Financial Times
Engadget
TUAW
0
Do you ever give up, Imperial?
There may be a day when Apple can actually give Microsoft some competition, but there will never be a day when Windows is fazed out of the market, especially not by the business practices that Apple follows, which quite frankly isn't any more noteworthy than Microsoft.
Anyway, more on the topic, I do find that to be a little interesting. I would think it would be slightly problematic though. As it still stands, Mac and Linux distros just aren't as user friendly. They've gotten better over the past decade, but until they are actually on par with the ease-of-use of Windows then its silly to expect individuals, and even corporations, to use anything else.
As slightly pathetic as it may sound, people don't care about the technical aspect when comparing Windows with UNIX. It's all about what is easier to use for normal day-to-day activities whether you are a home user with a PC or part of a corporation using them for more technical uses.
Google may feel differently, but I don't see how that is a wise decision. Then again, I'm no Google researcher, spokesman, nor employee so it is a moot point in the end.
There may be a day when Apple can actually give Microsoft some competition, but there will never be a day when Windows is fazed out of the market, especially not by the business practices that Apple follows, which quite frankly isn't any more noteworthy than Microsoft.
Anyway, more on the topic, I do find that to be a little interesting. I would think it would be slightly problematic though. As it still stands, Mac and Linux distros just aren't as user friendly. They've gotten better over the past decade, but until they are actually on par with the ease-of-use of Windows then its silly to expect individuals, and even corporations, to use anything else.
As slightly pathetic as it may sound, people don't care about the technical aspect when comparing Windows with UNIX. It's all about what is easier to use for normal day-to-day activities whether you are a home user with a PC or part of a corporation using them for more technical uses.
Google may feel differently, but I don't see how that is a wise decision. Then again, I'm no Google researcher, spokesman, nor employee so it is a moot point in the end.
3
First, let's take a look at these sources:
The Financial Times - anonymous sources, where's the credibility in that? For all I know, this could just be another rumor fired off to gain viewership and subscribers.
Engadget - Reliable source, but they're going off of the FT's report.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog - ... So this is just another Apple troll. I'll entertain your fancies anyway.
Until an official statement is released from Google, or a more credible source is given, further discussion on Google+Windows remains theoretical.
Microsoft's OS stands as the business industry's first choice, and will continue to until Excel and Access (Microsoft programs) are no longer part of professional practice.
It cannot be argued that Excel and Access are the professional standard -- there's simply no other alternative that can even compete. For that reason, business software producers have been creating applications that work within Excel and Acess or in conjunction to the two. As a result of that, most of those applications work best on machines running Windows.
In order to create a true shift away from Windows/Microsoft products, business software producers are going to have to be persuaded first. They will be the ones who will decide this shift, not the companies themselves.
Edit: Sorry, forgot to stay on topic with the whole Google+Windows ordeal. I'd hazard a guess that if Google really is banning usage of Windows by employees, they're doing this as a gradual move away from using its competitor's products. I wouldn't be surprised if they announced later that they were phasing in its own OS in place of Apple/Linux/Microsoft.
The Financial Times - anonymous sources, where's the credibility in that? For all I know, this could just be another rumor fired off to gain viewership and subscribers.
Engadget - Reliable source, but they're going off of the FT's report.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog - ... So this is just another Apple troll. I'll entertain your fancies anyway.
Until an official statement is released from Google, or a more credible source is given, further discussion on Google+Windows remains theoretical.
Microsoft's OS stands as the business industry's first choice, and will continue to until Excel and Access (Microsoft programs) are no longer part of professional practice.
It cannot be argued that Excel and Access are the professional standard -- there's simply no other alternative that can even compete. For that reason, business software producers have been creating applications that work within Excel and Acess or in conjunction to the two. As a result of that, most of those applications work best on machines running Windows.
In order to create a true shift away from Windows/Microsoft products, business software producers are going to have to be persuaded first. They will be the ones who will decide this shift, not the companies themselves.
Edit: Sorry, forgot to stay on topic with the whole Google+Windows ordeal. I'd hazard a guess that if Google really is banning usage of Windows by employees, they're doing this as a gradual move away from using its competitor's products. I wouldn't be surprised if they announced later that they were phasing in its own OS in place of Apple/Linux/Microsoft.
0
Firstly, before you start flaming a thread just because I posted it, let me remind you that the word "Apple" wasn't mentioned once in the topic. The word "Mac OS X" only appeared once and was placed alongside Linux as equal choices over the Windows platform. I simply presented the news as neutral as I could.
Apple didn't get dragged into this thread until you guys brought it up. Just sayin'.
I'm merely posting things that I find interest in. Also, it's quite funny how every time I post a thread, everyone assume that it's to do with Apple or promoting their products. Never did Google ever mention anything about Macs being a recommended platform. They're merely throwing Windows out the window. I'm just here to deliver that information.
If you haven't noticed yet, Apple and Google are huge enemies. In fact, Apple is friendlier with Microsoft right now if you compare it to their relationship with Google.
I don't think they will care much about user-friendliness about their OS's much. Chrome OS is a testament to that. They simply want practicality.
Also, this is biased but I find Mac OS X much more user friendly than Windows. I'm sure there are many people who think that Linux is more practical than Windows in terms of the UI. It's a personal preference. It just so happens that most people like Windows the best.
Of course, Windows is still the OS that everyone is used to, and I don't see how this will affect ordinary users at all. I didn't say people will start switching from Windows either. It's just that Google's decision is really worth something to think about in regards to Windows' security.
The Financial Times - anonymous sources, where's the credibility in that? For all I know, this could just be another rumor fired off to gain viewership and subscribers.
Engadget - Reliable source, but they're going off of the FT's report.
Until an official statement is released from Google, or a more credible source is given, further discussion on Google+Windows remains theoretical.
You need to take a look at Google I/O. I didn't see a single Windows machine throughout the entire presentation as well as on the machines on display. They were all either running Chrome OS or were Macs. If that isn't evidence enough for you, I don't know what is.
I'm not even going to bother talking about this one. You have no idea what you're talking about, really. xD
It cannot be argued that Excel and Access are the professional standard -- there's simply no other alternative that can even compete. For that reason, business software producers have been creating applications that work within Excel and Acess or in conjunction to the two. As a result of that, most of those applications work best on machines running Windows.
In order to create a true shift away from Windows/Microsoft products, business software producers are going to have to be persuaded first. They will be the ones who will decide this shift, not the companies themselves.
Firstly, Filemaker has higher market share than Access in professional practice. Secondly, Office has been running on Mac OS X for years, and the 2011 release doesn't look shabby from where I'm standing. As for Linux, OpenOffice doesn't offer a decent solution, I agree, but Google doesn't care for these products for their Business.
Never have I stated that this will cause any sort of "mass switching" from the Windows platform. I'm merely posting the fact that Google is doing it.
Isn't that exactly what Engadget was saying? Google is offering choice. It's just that they're not using Windows anymore due to security issues.
Apple didn't get dragged into this thread until you guys brought it up. Just sayin'.
Tsurayu wrote...
Do you ever give up, Imperial? I'm merely posting things that I find interest in. Also, it's quite funny how every time I post a thread, everyone assume that it's to do with Apple or promoting their products. Never did Google ever mention anything about Macs being a recommended platform. They're merely throwing Windows out the window. I'm just here to deliver that information.
If you haven't noticed yet, Apple and Google are huge enemies. In fact, Apple is friendlier with Microsoft right now if you compare it to their relationship with Google.
Tsurayu wrote...
Anyway, more on the topic, I do find that to be a little interesting. I would think it would be slightly problematic though. As it still stands, Mac and Linux distros just aren't as user friendly. They've gotten better over the past decade, but until they are actually on par with the ease-of-use of Windows then its silly to expect individuals, and even corporations, to use anything else. I don't think they will care much about user-friendliness about their OS's much. Chrome OS is a testament to that. They simply want practicality.
Also, this is biased but I find Mac OS X much more user friendly than Windows. I'm sure there are many people who think that Linux is more practical than Windows in terms of the UI. It's a personal preference. It just so happens that most people like Windows the best.
Tsurayu wrote...
Anyway, more on the topic, I do find that to be a little interesting. I would think it would be slightly problematic thougAs slightly pathetic as it may sound, people don't care about the technical aspect when comparing Windows with UNIX. It's all about what is easier to use for normal day-to-day activities whether you are a home user with a PC or part of a corporation using them for more technical uses. Of course, Windows is still the OS that everyone is used to, and I don't see how this will affect ordinary users at all. I didn't say people will start switching from Windows either. It's just that Google's decision is really worth something to think about in regards to Windows' security.
chiwa wrote...
First, let's take a look at these sources:The Financial Times - anonymous sources, where's the credibility in that? For all I know, this could just be another rumor fired off to gain viewership and subscribers.
Engadget - Reliable source, but they're going off of the FT's report.
Until an official statement is released from Google, or a more credible source is given, further discussion on Google+Windows remains theoretical.
You need to take a look at Google I/O. I didn't see a single Windows machine throughout the entire presentation as well as on the machines on display. They were all either running Chrome OS or were Macs. If that isn't evidence enough for you, I don't know what is.
chiwa wrote...
The Unofficial Apple Weblog - ... So this is just another Apple troll. I'll entertain your fancies anyway.I'm not even going to bother talking about this one. You have no idea what you're talking about, really. xD
chiwa wrote...
Microsoft's OS stands as the business industry's first choice, and will continue to until Excel and Access (Microsoft programs) are no longer part of professional practice.It cannot be argued that Excel and Access are the professional standard -- there's simply no other alternative that can even compete. For that reason, business software producers have been creating applications that work within Excel and Acess or in conjunction to the two. As a result of that, most of those applications work best on machines running Windows.
In order to create a true shift away from Windows/Microsoft products, business software producers are going to have to be persuaded first. They will be the ones who will decide this shift, not the companies themselves.
Firstly, Filemaker has higher market share than Access in professional practice. Secondly, Office has been running on Mac OS X for years, and the 2011 release doesn't look shabby from where I'm standing. As for Linux, OpenOffice doesn't offer a decent solution, I agree, but Google doesn't care for these products for their Business.
Never have I stated that this will cause any sort of "mass switching" from the Windows platform. I'm merely posting the fact that Google is doing it.
chiwa wrote...
Edit: Sorry, forgot to stay on topic with the whole Google+Windows ordeal. I'd hazard a guess that if Google really is banning usage of Windows by employees, they're doing this as a gradual move away from using its competitor's products. I wouldn't be surprised if they announced later that they were phasing in its own OS in place of Apple/Linux/Microsoft.Isn't that exactly what Engadget was saying? Google is offering choice. It's just that they're not using Windows anymore due to security issues.
0
ExESGO wrote...
I'll +rep you again tommorow.Too bad you can't rep someone twice in a row. You'll have to -Rep me tomorrow, then +Rep him the next day.
0
ImperialX wrote...
For Windows users, it's something to think about, really.I'd be happy to buy a Mac if only it could run more games, if only I could build it from the ground up and if only it came in a DVD OS Installer box.
ImperialX wrote...
ExESGO wrote...
I'll +rep you again tommorow.Too bad you can't rep someone twice in a row. You'll have to -Rep me tomorrow, then +Rep him the next day.
Nah, dude I changed my mind over that. I'll fix it all tommorow.
0
ExESGO wrote...
I'd be happy to buy a Mac if only it could run more games, if only I could build it from the ground up and if only it came in a DVD OS Installer box.When did I say anything about buying Macs in my thread? xD
0
ImperialX wrote...
ExESGO wrote...
I'd be happy to buy a Mac if only it could run more games, if only I could build it from the ground up and if only it came in a DVD OS Installer box.When did I say anything about buying Macs in my thread?
Just saying dude, just saying.
0
chiwa wrote...
First, let's take a look at these sources:The Financial Times - anonymous sources, where's the credibility in that? For all I know, this could just be another rumor fired off to gain viewership and subscribers.
Engadget - Reliable source, but they're going off of the FT's report.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog - ... So this is just another Apple troll. I'll entertain your fancies anyway.
Until an official statement is released from Google, or a more credible source is given, further discussion on Google+Windows remains theoretical.
Microsoft's OS stands as the business industry's first choice, and will continue to until Excel and Access (Microsoft programs) are no longer part of professional practice.
It cannot be argued that Excel and Access are the professional standard -- there's simply no other alternative that can even compete. For that reason, business software producers have been creating applications that work within Excel and Acess or in conjunction to the two. As a result of that, most of those applications work best on machines running Windows.
In order to create a true shift away from Windows/Microsoft products, business software producers are going to have to be persuaded first. They will be the ones who will decide this shift, not the companies themselves.
Edit: Sorry, forgot to stay on topic with the whole Google+Windows ordeal. I'd hazard a guess that if Google really is banning usage of Windows by employees, they're doing this as a gradual move away from using its competitor's products. I wouldn't be surprised if they announced later that they were phasing in its own OS in place of Apple/Linux/Microsoft.
Well said +rep for you good sir.
To be honest it seems like Apple is the flavour of the month this time round.
I found Mac OS X pretty intuitive after getting used to its interface but file management and navigation was a nightmare for me to use.
0
ImperialX: Your attempt to stand as the victimized, innocent news bringer is false and only serves to derail this thread. If you truly wanted a legitimate and neutral discussion about the Google+Windows ordeal, then you would have provided credible sources and left us with a clear, neutral prompt for discussion.
Since we still seem to be unclear about the credibility of your sources, let me explain:
In attempt to get back to what you were trying to point out, the Google+Windows dynamic, I will cease further discussion on Microsoft's Excel & Access in this thread. You will find my response to your points in a PM I will send to you. I look forward to further discussion on that matter with you.
In regards to the Google ditching Windows due solely to security issues, I find that claim hard to believe. They're probably dropping Windows because it's a competitor's product, and they want their employees to start using their own OS, Chrome. I wouldn't find that surprising in itself, and would guess that Microsoft or Apple do not allow their employees to use the other's OS either.
Again, let me state my opinion once more: I do not believe this is about security, and I would find it hard to believe that even 20,000 Google employees were working on a Windows system. Let me give you a quote from this article:
I largely agree with this article about the Google+Windows dynamic, which I hope people will take the time to read and respond to. I am interested in the different opinions out there about this is, and anticipate further discussion.
PS:
Since we still seem to be unclear about the credibility of your sources, let me explain:
Spoiler:
In attempt to get back to what you were trying to point out, the Google+Windows dynamic, I will cease further discussion on Microsoft's Excel & Access in this thread. You will find my response to your points in a PM I will send to you. I look forward to further discussion on that matter with you.
In regards to the Google ditching Windows due solely to security issues, I find that claim hard to believe. They're probably dropping Windows because it's a competitor's product, and they want their employees to start using their own OS, Chrome. I wouldn't find that surprising in itself, and would guess that Microsoft or Apple do not allow their employees to use the other's OS either.
ImperialX wrote...
Google's IT leaders feel that Microsoft's OS represents too great a risk across the enterprise to leave it in place. So that's 20000 Windows licenses that aren't going to be renewed.Again, let me state my opinion once more: I do not believe this is about security, and I would find it hard to believe that even 20,000 Google employees were working on a Windows system. Let me give you a quote from this article:
When I worked there, most developers used Unix. So, I don't know that a more formal step away from Windows will have much impact, at least within engineering."
I largely agree with this article about the Google+Windows dynamic, which I hope people will take the time to read and respond to. I am interested in the different opinions out there about this is, and anticipate further discussion.
PS:
Spoiler:
0
ImperialX wrote...
Firstly, before you start flaming a thread just because I posted it, let me remind you that the word "Apple" wasn't mentioned once in the topic. The word "Mac OS X" only appeared once and was placed alongside Linux as equal choices over the Windows platform. I simply presented the news as neutral as I could.I see no flaming here. :|
Also,
ImperialX wrote...
I simply presented the news as neutral as I could.I lol'd, although I suppose you did add that modifier to show that it's relatively neutral for you.
0
chiwa wrote...
Spoiler:
Thanks for your detailed response, quite rare to meet someone like you.
Let's take it to PMs like you offered. It's best we talk without the presence of others. :)
spectre257 wrote...
I found Mac OS X pretty intuitive after getting used to its interface but file management and navigation was a nightmare for me to use.I think Mac OS X doesn't differ from Windows much when it comes to file management. The Finder and Explorer.exe are practically identical. Plus Mac OS X has Spotlight. Shouldn't navigation be easier because of that?
0
I hate Apple....they practically hold a knife to your back if you're a customer of theirs.
Here some stuff you might not have known about them.
http://www.cracked.com/article_18377_5-reasons-you-should-be-scared-apple.html
Here some stuff you might not have known about them.
http://www.cracked.com/article_18377_5-reasons-you-should-be-scared-apple.html
0
Ironytaken wrote...
I hate Apple....they practically hold a knife to your back if you're a customer of theirs.Here some stuff you might not have known about them.
http://www.cracked.com/article_18377_5-reasons-you-should-be-scared-apple.html
My god, THEY ARE WORSE THAN MICROSOFT AND GOOGLE COMBINED.
"Apple can further determine whether a user pays attention to the advertisement. The determination can include performing, while the advertisement is presented, an operation that urges the user to respond; and detecting whether the user responds to the performed operation. If the response is inappropriate or nonexistent, the system will go into lock down mode in some form or other until the user complies. In the case of an iPod, the sound could be disconnected rendering it useless until compliance is met. For the iPhone, no calls will be able to be made or received."
^What the fuck is that!
0
ExESGO wrote...
"Apple can further determine whether a user pays attention to the advertisement. The determination can include performing, while the advertisement is presented, an operation that urges the user to respond; and detecting whether the user responds to the performed operation. If the response is inappropriate or nonexistent, the system will go into lock down mode in some form or other until the user complies. In the case of an iPod, the sound could be disconnected rendering it useless until compliance is met. For the iPhone, no calls will be able to be made or received."
^What the fuck is that!
That is, in the words of Mr. Jobs:
1
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/06/01/windows-and-security-setting-the-record-straight.aspx
Honestly I hear stuff all the time about Gmail accounts getting hacked and the iPhone gets plagued by malware all the time as well. (Just Google "infected iPhone" to see 3 million hits) Chrome isn't as safe as you may think it is either. In the end its up to the developer to educate and if you can't then enable security by default which Microsoft does. The problem does not lie solely with Microsoft as it lies more with the developers who make applications for the system.
I don't think Google would've made the drastic decision to dump Windows for something else over security reasons alone. Maybe they are getting a deal from Apple for cheap macs? Most likely on the premise that they get rid of all Microsoft computers in which case they will just slap Linux on them. Some people even speculate they are forcing their employees to run the Chrome OS to get some good feedback and what I think this all is just a big PR stunt. The whole Slashdot article and all the comments is just a good read.
Also some interesting links about the "security" of Mac computers:
Researcher cracks Mac in 10 seconds
Mac gets hacked first in contest
Mac OSX vulnerability left unpatched for months
But really though all it comes down to is the hacker. If he is determined and patient enough he will gain access to your system. Using security features thwarts most of them because it will take longer so they instead choose easier prey.
Honestly I hear stuff all the time about Gmail accounts getting hacked and the iPhone gets plagued by malware all the time as well. (Just Google "infected iPhone" to see 3 million hits) Chrome isn't as safe as you may think it is either. In the end its up to the developer to educate and if you can't then enable security by default which Microsoft does. The problem does not lie solely with Microsoft as it lies more with the developers who make applications for the system.
I don't think Google would've made the drastic decision to dump Windows for something else over security reasons alone. Maybe they are getting a deal from Apple for cheap macs? Most likely on the premise that they get rid of all Microsoft computers in which case they will just slap Linux on them. Some people even speculate they are forcing their employees to run the Chrome OS to get some good feedback and what I think this all is just a big PR stunt. The whole Slashdot article and all the comments is just a good read.
Also some interesting links about the "security" of Mac computers:
Researcher cracks Mac in 10 seconds
Mac gets hacked first in contest
Mac OSX vulnerability left unpatched for months
But really though all it comes down to is the hacker. If he is determined and patient enough he will gain access to your system. Using security features thwarts most of them because it will take longer so they instead choose easier prey.
0
ExESGO wrote...
Steve Jobs' motto:iEarn, iControl, iRule.
Doesn't mean he's not annoying or the rest of us don't think he's a dick.
0
Nachbar wrote...
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/06/01/windows-and-security-setting-the-record-straight.aspxHonestly I hear stuff all the time about Gmail accounts getting hacked and the iPhone gets plagued by malware all the time as well. (Just Google "infected iPhone" to see 3 million hits) Chrome isn't as safe as you may think it is either. In the end its up to the developer to educate and if you can't then enable security by default which Microsoft does. The problem does not lie solely with Microsoft as it lies more with the developers who make applications for the system.
I don't think Google would've made the drastic decision to dump Windows for something else over security reasons alone. Maybe they are getting a deal from Apple for cheap macs? Most likely on the premise that they get rid of all Microsoft computers in which case they will just slap Linux on them. Some people even speculate they are forcing their employees to run the Chrome OS to get some good feedback and what I think this all is just a big PR stunt. The whole Slashdot article and all the comments is just a good read.
Also some interesting links about the "security" of Mac computers:
Researcher cracks Mac in 10 seconds
Mac gets hacked first in contest
Mac OSX vulnerability left unpatched for months
But really though all it comes down to is the hacker. If he is determined and patient enough he will gain access to your system. Using security features thwarts most of them because it will take longer so they instead choose easier prey.
This is right on the money! I'm going to add onto this by adding that we have to remember that Google was being targeted by a concentrated wave of sophisticated attacks. Is the average user on here going to be the focus of those kinds of hackers? I highly doubt it.
At the end of the day, so long as you're taking proper care of your system and exercising common sense, you're going to be fine. Blanket statements such as "Apple/Microsoft/Linux is more secure than Microsoft/Linux/Apple" are just that: blanket statements with little substance to them. It's ultimately the user's actions that decide how secure a machine is.
Back OT: Whether this whole story was true or not, I think the overall message is that Google is really stepping into the ring as a competitor now. With Windows moving into Google's domain of free web-based applications, Google's felt the pressure to defend its ground. They're trying to counter Microsoft's Office suite by providing its own web-based applications (ex Google Docs), but who really uses those? It's ultimately been a failure so far.
What Google needs to do is prove their applications' worth by using it themselves in their own office in place of Microsoft's programs. This is a risky statement to make, but I'd hazard the guess that Google will ultimately dump all Microsoft products, including its office suite. That way they can push the credibility and worth of their own web-based applications approach vs. competitor's programs.