MSc Dissertation

[Rob123]

Hello all,

I've just joined the forums, usually I am over at ubuntuforums.org and only recently stumbled across these forums, been reading them for a while and decided to register today in the hope that you could help me out.

As the title suggests, I am currently doing an MSc, specialism in Marketing and Management. Part of my dissertation requires me to complete a Dissertation, which counts for 30% - 50% of my grade (the big discrepancy comes from the fact the course is based on credits and no one has been able to work out exactly how much the dissertation accounts for).

Anyway, I am thinking of looking at open source and closed source software, maybe the effects of Linux on Microsoft, the rise in the popularity of netbooks (of which a number run on Linux for instance) and how this is affecting Microsoft's cash cow (windows).

I am still planning, and so nothing is concrete but so far this is what I have:

Title: “In a world without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates” - One of the many Linux quotes I've seen and for lack of a better title at this moment in time, this will have to suffice.

Basis: Looking at the impact of Open source software on the future computing --> With the recent growth in the notion of Web 2.0 and more emphasis on user generated content, users helping each other solve their problems and create software solutions --> As user based solutions begin to develop is Microsoft in danger of loosing their cash cow (windows)? --> The recent growth of Mac popularity, plus the problems with Vista have seriously affected Microsoft --> And now with the release of many new netbooks running the linux operating system Microsoft maybe seriously affected

Analysis: I was thinking of looking at an analysis of share prices or financial data from Microsoft maybe if I look at Apple I'll also look at their financial data and seeing if any trend can be established.

And this is where you guys will all come in

I was thinking of designing a questionnaire which I was hoping (you) users of open source software would be so kind as to answer a few questions if I upload one.

Really, my aim of this first post is to get an insight into how many people would be willing to answer a few questions on open source/closed source software. Maybe even participate in an online interview if one can be organized.

Additionally, as I am very new to the Linux world, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas/topics or possibly any developments within the open source world which might be interesting to look into, that maybe I have not thought about or overlooked

Many thanks

[GNU-Fan]

Additionally, as I am very new to the Linux world, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas/topics or possibly any developments within the open source world which might be interesting to look into, that maybe I have not thought about or overlooked

Not exactly about "OpenSource", but Eben Moglen ( http://moglen.us/ ) held some interesting talks about the broader philosophical aspects of FOSS and how this might affect the way people think about software and data in the future. Incidentally, he also explains his conclusions for today's monopolies (like MS) elaborately.

[Rob123]

Thank you for the link. I will look into it.

As I said at the moment the dissertation is in the planning stages and so I am open to new ideas, or new takes...I am trying to build up a database of knowledge which I can then narrow down my focus.

My fear is that if i start and then find I have nowhere to go with the dissertation a large portion of my final grade and my degree as a whole are jeopardized.

I'm more than willing to listen to people's ideas, they do not have to be detailed, or have links / references like GNU-Fan's post.

And also if you are willing to participate in a questionnaire could you please just let me know, so i can gauge whether I can use questionnaires as a means of primary research. I've noticed several other questionnaire topics, I might look into them as well maybe they will be of help.

Hope to hear from others,

Rob

[Rob123]

Hi again,

After reviewing the topic a bit more I've made some changes:

Title: In a world without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates - Still don't have one, so using this for the time being.

Possible discussion topics (I was thinking in terms of chapters, as I am pretty much approaching this in a traditional dissertation style):

Chap 1: "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers" - This chapter will hopefully look into the computer industry as a whole, developments since the dot com crash, idea developments / prospects since Web 2.0 and user generated content came to the industry vocabulary.

Chap 2: "March of the Penguin" - I am hoping here, to once having established how the industry is shaped look at alternatives in terms of software with my main focus on operating systems, so in this case I am hoping to look at Linux and how recent growth in its popularity is making an impact within the industry if at all.

Chap 3: "Linux, Dos, NT - The good, the bad and the ugly" - This chapter I am hoping to maybe interview users of Linux, or maybe get questionnaires filled in which will give a user perspective. Users of Linux systems generally tend to praise the superiority of their operating system, and how it performs better than Windows. I am hoping that that this chapter will give an insight into both domestic and commercial uses of Linux. - But this does hinge on the fact I get some responses, if I do not get the responses or support then obviously I will rethink this chapter.

Chap 4: "The cost of free software" - This chapter is very much dependent on the third, this chapter will analyze the fact that if in fact Linux is such a superior operating system, why hasn't been able to capture a bigger market share and more importantly will a swap to Linux be feasible let alone worthwhile in an attempt to save on the bottom line.

Conclusion - which I cannot really comment on at the moment.


Also this morning while in the shower I was thinking and thought about general boom bust cycles. On the whole the economy runs on a upward / downward spiral, and we are experiences a downturn at the moment, then I got thinking of the computer industry.

The last real industry bust (as far as I am aware) was in 2001 with the dot com crash, and I was actually curious (although haven't had a read into this) about what is the likelihood of another industry bust in the coming months, especially with the economic downturn. Would people really rush out to buy Windows 7? Would the newer technologies really be a priority for people now?

If I find that there is literature pointing towards a bust, I might want to look at if the industry does suffer a crash, could Linux being a free alternative help the industry and in fact if the industry does go into a downturn will it be beneficial for Linux or will it ruin the progress that the OS has made?

Any and all comments welcome, many thanks

Rob