Corporate Competition - I Am Guilty Too

Is Instant-On Chrome OS's Killer App?


I just caught myself - thinking in the same way that I am critical of others about when they do something similar: hating on a successful corporation.

I read the news about Google's proposed competitor to the Microsoft Windows behemoth and quietly cheered for Google (Google Chrome operating system). I have been a Linux user for years. With each iteration of Linux it gets easier to use and moves closer to being a viable alternative to Windows. Where as Apple was able to put a pretty face on a Unix derivative with its OS X platform, Linux being open source has had a bit more challenge in arriving at this state. Google could change this. They have the billions to make it happen.

Now that most of my "hookup" connections where I could get "discounted" (meaning 'borrowed' corporate site license keys) license keys for Microsoft Windows have dried up (and on Vista - MS now has an online registration system that effective thwarts the use of free floating license keys) I am forced to either pay for my Windows OSes or find a free alternative such as Linux. I occasionally build new computers from parts and then sell out my old ones to friends. What might be a 2 year old "slow" computer to me - is often a speed demon as compared to what novices are inclined to purchase and make use of.

When I read that Google's Chrome OS is gunning at Microsoft's Windows franchise I saw value in the competition against Microsoft. Microsoft has gotten very wealthy from their Windows desktop, Windows server and Microsoft Office suite licenses. I am not mad at them - they are quality software offerings, they work (most of the time), they are the industry standards. If you know these packages you are very employable.

In the consumer space - their products are too expensive. Open Office.org offers a worthy competitor to MS Office. I would never purchase pay $400 for MS Office when Open Office works just fine for my needs.

Though I have successfully provided Linux to a few of my friends - far too often they prefer Windows. Some of their programs require Windows.

CORPORATE COMPETITION VERSUS GOVERNMENT COMPETITION

My line of thinking displayed above shows that I am not pro-monopoly. I am simply opposed to government going into business in order to take down a monopoly. I would rather see strong competitors being allowed to enter the market and vie to be the "king of the hill". The government's job is to prevent monopolistic practices - not to use its own monopolistic powers to take down a popular pubic enemy.

I recall hearing a brother on the radio who said "the only force powerful enough to take down a corporation - is the government". I wonder if this same brother is satisfied with the "taken down state" that General Motors and Chrysler are in?