Will Microsoft give away its software for free?

Now that the Linux market share is growing on desktop computers, will Microsoft want to limit the spread of open source software? Linux is a big threat to Microsoft, because it is open source and free. Microsoft already has several anti-Linux campaigns and the trend will continue to increase. What will happen when the desktop Linux market share will increase to 20 or 30 percent? Will Microsoft feel so threatened that they will give away its software and operating system for free? Is this even feasible for a corporation that has to appease its stock holders? Majority of individuals do not really care if they use Windows, Mac or Linux. They just want something that is easy to use. In the past, Microsoft has proven itself at being very efficient in destroying competitors. Will they be able to suppress Linux once it gains more market share? It would be beneficial for Linux if Microsoft would keep the cost of its software high, so that people would want to find alternatives that are much cheaper. However, if Microsoft would lower their prices or give away their products for free, could they seriously hurt the Linux project?

We would like to hear about your comments on this topic. Will Microsoft ever give away its software and operating system for free? Would the Linux project be able to keep its momentum if this would occur? Is it even possible for Microsft to give away its software for free if they are a large corporation that needs to increase its revenue?