[Coco] Windows vs. Linux (was 512K upgrade)

[Juan Castro]

OS arguments bore me to death, because in 99% of the cases, instead of
rational arguments like...

- "I like MacOS because I find its GUI more comfortable and intuitive"
- "I like Linux because it needs less hardware resources and is therefore
faster"
- "I like Windows because there's more software and drivers available"

...what we have is "yo mama" level taunts. I decided to just go on and use
what I like. (Which is, in my case, Linux.)

And then there's the discussion about copyrights, freedom, privacy etc.
which is really important but has very little to do with technical merits
and defects of particular pieces of software. (They all, basically, work.)
People conflate the two issues. Which is part of the dumbth.


On Sun, Mar 9, 2014 at 11:34 AM, <farna at amc-mag.com> wrote:

> OS is a matter of choice -- how wonderful it is to be able to say that!! I
> prefer Linux, especially for new users, because it's not a malicious
> hacker target. But if they want to play a lot of games or need to run
> something that doesn't have a Linux equivalent (more games now than
> anything else), then they are stuck with Windows. Most don't install a
> good anti-virus before using, or activate the AV that comes with Windows
> now.
>
> While the point that Windows is on 98% of systems (at least in the US),
> it's not on there because it's the best or most accepted... or at least it
> didn't get there because of that. It got there because of cut-throat
> marketing and in some cases blatant "bullying" of competitors. In many
> cases MS just bought the competition, and I'm sure there were a few
> hostile takeovers, though I can't validate that statement. MS sought to
> create a monopoly and have manages to do so, and the US government won't
> do anything about it because THEY have become so dependent on Windows (not
> just my opinion... but that is an opinion). That stance does make sense --
> I recall when business and home computer brands each had their own OS, or
> had versions of the "same" OS that were similar but customized to the
> particular hardware so much that software was incompatible (like CP/M and
> even early versions of MS-DOS). You have to admit that it's really nice to
> go into a store and pick up software, or know that the software on your
> computer will run exactly the same (and share files!) with your friends
> and co workers.
>
> Windows HAS done some good because of the large base, but I can't help but
> think that if it were more open even more could be done now. Linux has
> caught up to the point that it's a challenge, but because it is open MS
> can't take it over. That's good, because I think they would if they could!
> Add WINE (or better yet BUY Crossover) and you can run many Windows
> programs. I switched entirely over to Linux about two years ago, but
> bought Crossover so I could run a couple Windows programs easily. I also
> bought Crossover to make it easier to install and manage Windows programs,
> and I also BOUGHT PageStream for my DTP software. Works great and I don't
> regret it!!
>
> Unfortunately there is a major problem with Linux, or rather Linux users.
> They want everything free. That I actually paid for some Linux software
> makes many Linux users cringe! That attitude has to change for Linux to be
> a real market success. There is some programmers that ask for donations
> (like the old share-ware model) that make a little for their efforts, but
> none of the big-name companies will port to Linux and few really good
> programmers will waste their time on major Linux productions because there
> is no money in it. It's not just greed -- anyone should be fairly
> compensated for their time and effort, users can't expect them all to work
> for free. The Linux community is blessed by many programmers who do work
> on projects for the fun of it or the learning experience, but it can't go
> on like that forever. Most large packages are group efforts, which reduces
> individual efforts, but slows development.
>
> Oh no, I didn't forget about Apple! That's always been a niche market due
> mainly to costs, and I don't expect that to change.
>
>
>
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