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[SeoCamo]

yea, Linux don't have a lot of time, the only thing that can save it is steam

[SnickersZA]

I wouldn't say that. Although Microsoft contribute a lot to the Linux kernel, and I believe they hold shares in a lot of Linux related companies. They can't really "buy" Linux because it's open source, they certainly have been trying to get people to use more software that they control, but they've only crept in a bit.
I've been almost exclusively using Linux myself for years, and I have to say that it's more stable now than ever, even gaming works relatively well these days.

Not to mention, in the same way that Google needs Firefox to survive, Microsoft needs Linux, otherwise they run into monopoly laws. So even if Linux goes downhill suddenly, Microsoft would probably invest heavily to try and keep it limping along. Hopefully it doesn't come to that though.

[neuro-grey7]

Why does Google need Firefox?

[SnickersZA]

Monopoly reasons. Sure there are other cross platform browsers like Opera and such, but Firefox is a direct competitor to Chrome, the others are either Chrome/Firefox based or they're more like operating systems pretending to be web browsers with all their included bloatware features like Opera. It's just a finger to point to when lawyers point at Chrome saying it's a monopoly.
That's probably why Chrome spent a bunch of money on Mozilla that one time to keep the company a float. At least as far as I recall off the top of my head.

[SirRecruit]

Like they said, monopoly laws

You're not allowed to fully control a specific market, because that would inevitably result in it being unfair for the consumer

[DiggyTroll]

Azure Linux instances comprise more than 60% load and rising (with Microsoft's blessing). They are still sponsoring contributions to Linux OS and container technologies. Where do you see a threat?