"Freedom of choice is one of the great benefits of Open Source Software in general and Linux in particular. This freedom gives consumers the ability to select, without fear of litigation, what software they will use and how they will use or modify it. As a principal, this freedom is extremely valuable. However, a couple of announcements this week seem to indicate that market value of freedom of choice has dipped considerably. The biggest hurdle Linux adoption faced this week wasn't Microsoft, it was an enemy from within: Linux fragmentation."
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Member since:2005-08-07
Where has it gotten on the desktop?
Only place Linux is really going right now is into the data center, where companies hire people to make sense of everything for them.
It's a real shame too, because so much about Linux is supperior, it's just too confusing for normal home users.
I really hope Ubuntu continues its popularity, and becomes what people base all Linux desktops from. It's already beginning - with Linspire and MEPIS - and it would be far easier for ISV's to support.
Member since:2006-04-21
Where has it gotten on the desktop?
Even if only 2% of people use it on the desktop, that represents 15 million out of 300 million computers. Hardly small fry.
Only place Linux is really going right now is into the data center, where companies hire people to make sense of everything for them.
On the contrary, I think the fact that Dell felt it necessary to do as much as they did (and the fact that Linux was number one on its list) shows that the best is yet to come on the desktop.
It's a real shame too, because so much about Linux is supperior, it's just too confusing for normal home users.
Windows can be plenty confusing, too. Those who don't have a guru to hand either must be very flustered with their systems, or limit themselves to email, web browsing and maybe games.
I really hope Ubuntu continues its popularity, and becomes what people base all Linux desktops from. It's already beginning - with Linspire and MEPIS - and it would be far easier for ISV's to support.
No thanks. This is the biggest problem with the "we need a Linux monoculture" theory: Just about every distro you choose to base this mythical "Linux for everyone" on is going to have its rabid fans, its ardent detractors, and the rest of us caught in the middle. Personally, I think Ubuntu is crap.
Member since:2005-07-09
Member since:2005-07-06
Member since:2007-03-05
Member since:2006-04-21
And just where is Linux today? Except for the coffee shop around the corner and one of my own PC off and on, I can't remember seeing another computer running it. Time for a reality check. Fragmentation is not strength.
I'm not going to be drawn into another argument like the one in the article. Your argument has been bandied about since time immemmorial, and has no more merit now than it ever had.
Member since:2005-11-13
Some would prefer that it thrive, not simply survive.
Just where has Linux gotten? It's available for no cost, yet it still is on just a tiny percentage of systems. People still pay money for Windows and OS/X rather than running Linux.
If you were giving cars away for free and General Motors still had a bigger share of the market, wouldn't you be concerned about the quality and/or public perception of your cars?
Member since:2006-04-21
Look, you people keep replying to me on a subject I've already given my thoughts to. Come up with something new or they aren't changing.
Some would prefer that it thrive, not simply survive.
Like me for instance.
Just where has Linux gotten? It's available for no cost, yet it still is on just a tiny percentage of systems. People still pay money for Windows and OS/X rather than running Linux.
Windows comes preinstalled on PCs and OS/X on Macs, therefore most people think of it being free.
You know what I think Linux needs to become an even bigger success? A good marketing strategy. It does NOT need to merge in order to survive, any more than we need toasters to come only from Toasters, Inc.
If you were giving cars away for free and General Motors still had a bigger share of the market, wouldn't you be concerned about the quality and/or public perception of your cars?
If we were giving away cars for free and General Motors still had a bigger share of the market, it would be a pretty big indicator that GM had a monopoly on cars.
Concerns about the quality of Linux relative to Windows? Gimme a break.
Member since:2006-05-14
"If you were giving cars away for free and General Motors still had a bigger share of the market, wouldn't you be concerned about the quality and/or public perception of your cars?"
Well if that actually happened....I'd be concerned about GM being in bed with the oil companies and how they changed and patented a new fuel fill hose design that is available only on GM cars. Because when you get down to it the GM cars are designed pretty much like any other car, but if you can't get fuel so you can take your car where you want to go you're forced to use GM cars (or carry an OSF "open standard funnel" to use to refuel). 
Member since:
2006-04-21
That's right folks; Linux has got where it has because it is too weak to survive!
Film at 11.
Avoid.