Retailer PC World drops Linux netbooks for Windows

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PC World’s store shelves will only feature netbooks with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, the retailer has said, and will stop selling Linux-based machines in store.

Jeremy Fennell, category director at PC World, said most buyers don’t opt for the cheapest netbook, instead buying around the £300 range. He said customers looked for a “software system they were familiar with” – despite hopes from many the cheap and cheerful devices would go open source.

“Despite initial hype that netbooks would move more users onto the Linux platform, Microsoft has emerged as the preferred operating system because Windows makes it easier to share content, and provides customers with a simpler, more familiar computing experience on the move,” he claimed in a statement.

“Based on this insight, all the netbooks in our stores will feature Microsoft Windows, larger screens and keyboards, and greater colour choices to satisfy customers demand for performance, design and familiarity,” he added.

PC World said Linux-based netbooks will still be available online, however.

Microsoft was obviously ecstatic about the news, with Windows communications manager Brandon LeBlanc saying on the Microsoft blog that “it’s important to note that all of this momentum is happening before Windows 7 is even out.”

Microsoft has recently claimed that Windows grew from 10 per cent of the netbook market share to 96 per cent, while next OS Windows 7 has been well-reviewed for use on netbooks.

Microsoft has also kicked off an advertising campaign with Asus, pushing Windows as the best OS for netbooks - but many still think Linux can win netbooks back.

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