cold water on linux

[Alma J Wetzker]

M.W. Chang wrote:
>> I have no love for Lindows, but don't wish to see them go under 
>> either. They have added some beneficial visibility to Linux. But their 
>> insistence on trying to beat the giant at his own game was nothing 
>> short of suicidal. Don Quixote would be proud.
> 
> 
> I don't think Linux and her applications (openoffice, xfree86, 
> KDE/GNOME, multimedia, samba, ..) are ready to take the giant.

They are not, on a feature to feature basis.  They are, however, good enough 
for most purposes that people (and businesses) need.  That was all "the giant" 
had when it started.

I think the comparison is wrong.  Comparing monolithic applications to 
possibilities in linux ignores linux's strengths and plays directly to 
weakness.  Doing so allows "the giant" to define the rules of engagement. 
Linux wins when you actually try to get something done.  Multiple instances of 
programs and multiple programs that do similar things allow you to pick the 
BEST for a particular need.

In short, the way to do similar things can be different enough that a head on 
comparison is not worthwhile.

     -- Alma