Re: [aclug-L] Microsoft's plans to kill Linux

[Michael Bainum <kodiakm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Karl Juhnke wrote:

> I read the Halloween documents, and I hear there is no longer any debate
> about their authenticity.  What I don't understand is mixed responses I
> have read from the Linux community.  On the one hand, Microsoft is
> portrayed as not only evil, but also dangerous.  They are the Borg, the
> nightmare bogey man, and we should all tremble in fear.  On the other
> hand, Linux advocates can't seem to bring themselves to concede that the
> Linux project is in any way vulnerable.
>
> It seems ironic that Linux folks accuse Microsoft of being short-sighted
> and self-congratulatory at the same time that they reassure each other of
> the invincibility of Linux.
>
> In particular, I am astonished by the reaction to Valloppillil's assertion
> that "Linux is unlikely to be a threat on the desktop" because "Ease of
> use must be engineered from the ground up.  Linux's hacker orientation
> will never provide the ease-of-use requirements of the average desktop
> user."
>
> This assertion strikes me as very plausible.  I have never met a hacker
> who was at all sympathetic with ordinary users.  Ease of use in Linux
> means what is easiest for hackers to use.  Why should we expect that to
> change?
>
> And if Microsoft continues to dominate the desktop, won't they always be a
> titanic force?  Won't desktop market share continue to be a club with they
> can beat up on Linux and all other competitors?
>
> I think Linux fans should stop spraining their shoulders patting
> themselves on the back, and learn from two things which Microsoft does
> right.  1. Make stuff easy to use for average schmoes, and 2. Stay
> paranoid.

I also agree with your assumptions here.  If Microshaft keeps the market
share of the 'user' desktop then IMHO they will always have revenue.  It
would also be enough revenue to continue with there tyrannical ways.  For the
hacker/programmer Linux is great the way it is but it will never overthrow
M$.  To do so the programmers must reach out to the average joe and meet his
needs.  Linux has gotten a lot closer to doing so but has miles to go.

One question I would like to ask:  Is is easier for a computer illiterate to
use Linux or Winblows?  I would have to regretably give the nod to the
latter.  Even with all the instability of the M$ product it is still easier
to use.  Please don't get my intentions wrong, I LOVE Linux.  It is a big
learning curve but it is great for me (a PowerUser).  I just want the
hackers, programmers,  and system administrators to see that Vall isn't
totally wrong with his assertions.

Mike Bainum

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