When it launched the netbook phenomenon a couple of years ago, the most noticeable thing about the Asus EEE PC, apart from its size, was that it typically ran Linux. Suddenly everyone was predicting the demise of Windows and the rise of Linux.

Why do Microsoft and vendors like ASUS continue to push the line that Microsoft Windows is the ultimate operating system for the diminutive ultraportable netbook market?

Microsoft makes for an unlikely David, and Linux an even unlikelier Goliath — but here we are. A few years ago, Linux was positioned as the “Windows killer.” Now, as Microsoft is ramping up its efforts in the netbook market, Windows 7 is being positioned as the Linux killer. Interesting that Microsoft is being cast as an underdog here, albeit one with about 70% of the netbook market.

When the netbook first arrived onto the market at the backend of 2007, it came riding with Linux in the saddle. Now 18 months on and Linux-preinstalled netbooks are as rare as hen’s teeth. But which operating system is really the better option?

There's one major decision that hits potential netbook buyers right up front: if the netbook is the system of choice, do they want a system based on Microsoft Windows XP Home or would they rather go the open-source route with a netbook based on Linux?

A Microsoft blogger says that the Windows operating system has achieved dominance in the netbook market. The statistics, however, are less definitive.

The Windows share of the US netbook market is a staggering 96 percent. That's up from less than 10 percent of US unit sales during the first half of 2008 when the words netbook and Linux pretty much ran together. Now it seems that the netbook revolution is leaving Linux behind. Is Linux a Dead Man Walking?

Many netbook computer buyers are still reluctant to "take a chance" on Linux rather than Windows XP. But which operating system is really the riskier choice for a netbook buyer?

If you told me two years ago that Linux would have 10% of the hottest new PC category, over Windows, I might have called you crazy. If you had added that in order to keep Linux at 10% Microsoft was practically giving its Windows XP away, hoping only for upgrades that will likely never happen, I would say you had too much penguin juice.