Why Linux

[Computer Hobbyist]

If you don't know why we should all be trying to learn Linux or some alternate operating system read this Rupert Goodwins Article
from ZDNET. Think about how difficult it will be for the average user to resist. Like me, most people are average users. From arrogance comes opportunity.
CH

[christo418]

Ah, but the license agreements have been exactly like that for Unix op sys. Where do you think MS got that idea? hehe.

[Computer Hobbyist]

Unix does not have a 90% market share. Absent competition, Microsoft will someday have the ability to turn off desktops all across the planet if their "price" isn't paid. That prospect sounds like the plot of a bad James Bond movie.

Linux is a Unix clone, it is not Unix. Linux is open source. The operating system is free. Distributors, like Redhat and Mandrake, are paid for their packaging and enhancements. Others, like Corel and Sun Microsystems, are paid for their applications.

I happen to believe that applications should be the focus of the rewards in computing. An operating system is like an artist's canvas, necessary, but not the central focus of artistic activity. While I don't mind paying an art supply company for a canvas, because of competition, I don't pay much.

I encourange Linux, and other alternative operating systems, not because I hate Microsoft, but because I think its important to break the monopolist's hold, thereby forcing prices down to a reasonable level. I support what has often been called capitalism and the American way.



CH

[dead_eye]

Yeah, Linux rules, but the driver support is choppy.

[Mr_Wobble]

The thing is, everybody makes Microsoft out to be the bad guys, but where would we be without them? Buying 3 grands worth of Apple Mac, that's where.
OK, so MS's OS's are unstable (though improving), and are responsible for millions of hours of stress Worldwide over the years, but you've got to admire what the Windoze OS tries to do, and what it tries to be compatible with.
Mind you, the only reason I'm not writing this from Linux now is because I can't get any modem drivers for the poxy Winmodem installed, and I can't get the equilant mouse drivers for Linux to make use of the dual scroll wheels. Mice and Modems. Once they're supported fully it'll be easy to change over to Linux full time.

Mr_Wobble

[Computer Hobbyist]

You have to admire the moxy it takes to try to be all things to all people. Microsoft makes that attempt. Sometimes they fail and sometimes they succeed.

My problem with Microsoft is that they have a monopoly. That's not their problem or fault, its ours. But as a result they can charge as much as they want for their operating system software. If you have a monopoly and sales drop, no problem, no need to worry about losing customers, just shorten the reorder cycle, and raise prices. Cash flow problem solved. If customers are unable to purchase other needed things, too bad. If they don't like monopolist's solution they can go somewhere else for their software. Nobody else out there? Too bad.

I suppose that there might be valid reasons why a monopoly is needed in the operating system arena. In other areas where a monopoly works best, the classic response to the monopolist has been regulation. Not a very appealing alternative. I would much prefer to see alternative operating systems like Linux succeed.

CH

[Mr_Wobble]

The only thing is, nobody's all that excited about XP at the moment. Most businesses are still using '95! Even the Uni I'm at still uses '95 - and that's in the Computer Science department! Event the architecture students computers only run '98 (first edition). Most places are now running Office 2000, but many still get by with '97. People are beginning to realise there just isn't any point in spending hundreds, or thousands, on the latest OS and Office packages. I hope Linux does pose a serious threat to MS one day, it'll make them more responsive to consumer needs and pricing. However, I don't see the point in trying to punish MS for being so successful that it should be split up.
Now I've used Mandrake 8.0, and seeing how easy it was to install and configure, I'll now be preaching Linux as a good alternative. I just wish there were modem drivers for my modem.

Mr_Wobble

[Xayd]

No matter how much effort Microsoft puts into marketing and certifications, there will always be the *nix OS's for servers, proxies, firewalls and the like so I don't think Microsoft *completely* taking over the world is really a threat...yet. Linux as a desktop/workstation is still kinda up in the air, some of the distributors are trying to make it happen but few actually make the switch, so I guess time will tell there. I personally just don't have the patience for it. My desktop runs Win2000 because I need new hardware to work out of the box and I like my games. My home router/firewall runs Linux without a second guess, however, simply because of...

coyote# uptime
18:22:46 up 36 Days (860h), load average: 0.08 0.02 0.01

This is a 486 with no monitor, no keyboard, no mouse...hell, it doesn't even have a hard drive . Why should I buy a Microsoft or other proxy/firewall product that requires more hardware and on the same token is less reliable?

For this type of thing, Linux is great. For an alternative desktop/workstation, I'd still tell people "buy a Mac" .

[Mr_Wobble]

Yep, I like my games too. Which, along with a few other applications, is why I couldn't do without Windoze. However, as Linux improves I'm going to be using it more often. Got to get a compatible modem first though.
It took some time for Microsoft to start taking over the server market with NT from UNIX, and it'll take some time for Linux to take a large chunk of the server market. Once that happens Linux will slowly creep in as an alternative desktop machine too - being driven by the sysadmins when they're approached about costing up upgrades. It's just going to take time.
I'm not daft enough to think Linux will rule over Windoze but it will start to creep in, and it could take a good bite out of Apple's share of the market if people wise up to it.
Cost wise Linux wins hands down. All you've got to do is pick up an inexpensive IBM compatible, check the hardware is supported, and install Linux. One inexpensive alternative to a Windoze based machine. I like it.

36 updays! Wow, I don't think I've ever managed to have Windoze up for 36 hrs without a problem.