> If so, then MS not only feels that this extra convenience is useful for
them; It also means they think it is so useful they are willing to sacrifice
some users for it.
Why do you presume that Microsoft accepts the premise that this will cause
people to migrate to GNU/Linux? I get the impression that they're banking on
the opposite effect: exclusive GNU/Linux users migrating to Windows because
they can get the convenience of Ubuntu on Windows as well.
> Ultimately, the naivete I refer to is rooted in the notion that somehow MS
made the error of not realizing they will lose users.
But it's not necessarily an error. It's not a fact that this will cause
Windows to lose users. It's an outcome which some have speculated might
happen somewhere down the line.
Even if it turns out to be true, do you honestly expect it to be enough to
seriously affect Microsoft? I don't. Think about it: most people who start to
use GNU/Linux continue to use Windows. With this compatibility layer, that
will mean that those people can use GNU within Windows. So in fact, this
could lead to them using Windows more often, and only actually using
GNU/Linux directly for reasons like added security and better performance.
The only people who would stop becoming Windows users would be those who come
across the libre software movement and start to agree with us, and Ubuntu
doesn't lead users in that direction.
> Give me a single example of such an error in the tech field by a mega
corporation.
I don't see any evidence for this being an error. But even if I did,
corporations are run by humans, and humans make mistakes. You want examples?
I can think of several:
* Nintendo's decision to stick with cartridges for the Nintendo 64. This made
the system unnecessarily difficult to develop for.
* Nintendo's decision to use a non-standard mini-disc format for the
Gamecube. This prevented the system from also functioning as a DVD player,
something that turned out to be a big selling point for the PS2.
* The Atari 5200. Everything about it.
* Atari's decision to manufacture more Pacman cartridges than there were
Atari 2600 consoles. The game was a hit, but millions of these cartridges
went unsold because there were too many.
* Sega's decision to release the Saturn early. This prevented 3rd party
developers from being able to release their games in time for the release,
angering them and causing the initial game selection to be limited.
* The Nintendo Virtual Boy. Was a total flop.
And all of these examples are specifically in the proprietary video game
industry. I'm sure I've missed some mistakes made by large corporations in
that industry alone. I haven't even touched corporations in other industries!
