Fact check: Were Microsoft initially against Linux? Did Microsoft make noticeable attempts to undermine or discredit Linux?

1. Summary of the results

Microsoft was indeed strongly opposed to Linux initially, with multiple sources confirming aggressive anti-Linux stance and actions. This opposition was exemplified by then-CEO Steve Ballmer calling Linux "a cancer" in 2001 ^[1] and describing it as "an intellectual-property destroyer" ^[2]. The company actively worked to undermine Linux through various means:

• A dedicated "Get the Facts" campaign designed to discredit Linux ^{[3] [4]}
• Patent deals and legal maneuvers to portray Linux as risky ^[5]
• Creating and buying "facts" to highlight Windows' supposed superiority ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question misses several crucial contextual elements:

• The dramatic transformation in Microsoft's stance: The company has since admitted it was "on the wrong side of history" and has become the largest contributor to open-source projects ^{[1] [1]}
• Microsoft's behavior was part of a broader business strategy: The company had a pattern of attempting to thwart emerging technological threats, not just Linux specifically ^[6]
• The philosophical conflict: The rivalry represented a deeper ideological clash between proprietary software (Microsoft) and open-source collaboration (Linux) ^[7]
• Microsoft now ships a Linux kernel in Windows 10, showing a complete reversal of their initial position ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's framing could lead to several misconceptions:

• It suggests a simple yes/no answer to what was actually a complex evolution of corporate strategy and philosophy
• It doesn't acknowledge the financial motivations behind Microsoft's initial opposition: As the dominant operating system provider, Microsoft stood to lose significant market share to a free, open-source alternative
• The question doesn't capture the internal concerns within Microsoft, such as Jim Allchin's 2002 email expressing fear about Linux's momentum ^[4]
• It fails to recognize that Microsoft's opposition to Linux was part of their broader business strategy of eliminating potential competitors through various means ^[6]

The story of Microsoft and Linux is ultimately one of transformation from aggressive opposition to embrace and collaboration, driven by changing market dynamics and evolving understanding of open-source software's value.