An executive who heads up Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Windows business said Wednesday Netbooks, lower-priced laptop computers geared to less intensive work, posed a cannibalization risk to the Windows operating system.

Could netbooks be replaced by smartbooks? Yes. But will they? Maybe. The general idea is to run smartphone software such as Google's Linux-based Android and Microsoft's Windows CE (AKA Windows Mobile) on portable computers with 7in-10in screens.

As netbooks surge in popularity, open-source Linux-based operating systems have established a toehold on the low-cost, stripped-down computers as an alternative to Microsoft Corp's Windows.

Hewlett-Packard is launching a Google Android-based netbook. Shipping under the Compaq brand, HP calls it the AirLife 100. It will debut in the United Arab Emirates (no word on a U.S. launch). The big question: Is Android for netbooks a good computing solution? Here are some clues.

When it comes to Netbook software, most pundits focus on Windows XP vs. Linux. But there's mounting evidence Google Android could be the Next Big Thing on netbooks - potentially putting the squeeze on Windows and Ubuntu. Here's the scoop.

Microsoft announced plans today to expand support for Windows XP on budget flash-storage computing devices with an eye towards getting Windows XP running on the OLPC. The software giant will publish design guidelines next year that will make it possible for manufacturers of low-cost mobile devices to build hardware that provides optimal compatibility with Microsoft's legacy operating system. The company also announced plans for field trials next month that will put Windows XP to the test on One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project's XO laptop.

Linpus Technologies, Inc., a Linux software solutions provider based in Taipei, Taiwan, just announced that they have ported Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest edition of Android, to run on x86 tablet, netbook and notebook computers.

Aside from Linpus Lite Desktop, distributions from Linpus are usually for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs).

ABI Research predicts that Linux and "alternative operating systems" (OSes) will overtake Windows XP in netbook sales by 2012. Reasons cited by ABI include the arrival of low-end ARM-based netbooks, as well as mobile stacks such as the Linux-based Android that are suited for these platforms.

Despite powering only a handful of handsets available on the market, Android has already had a significant impact on the competitive landscape in smartphones. Looking at its primary rivals that run on a variety of hardware from multiple manufacturers, Android has provided a free and highly customizable licensed challenge to Windows Mobile...