Ok, I don't know if I am reposting this because my mail client died a horrible death on Tuesday and I am just now receiving messages from the list. So, I don't know if this has made it to the list. If it has, sorry for the multiple posting. ......... Let me start off by saying that while I am new to Linux, I have really enjoyed my experiences with it so far. As I have gotten more and more informed about Linux and open source software over the past months I have had a question lingering in my mind about the open source model. I recall the browser wars between Netscape and ms and how ms was vilified for giving away IE for free in an attempt to shutdown Netscape. I am wondering isn't OSS doing the exact same thing, i.e. producing open, free software, which is attempting to taking market share away from MS? I mean the OS itself is freely available and many products like open office are as well. Therefore, isn't it true that by promoting Linux and OSS the OSS community is doing the exact same thing that MS did to Netscape? Am I way off base here? Don't get me wrong, I think Linux is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but does anyone have a thoughts on how a Linux advocate should respond to such accusations. ---------- Internet E-mail Confidentiality Disclaimer ---------- PRIVILEGED / CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby on notice that you are in possession of confidential and privileged information. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. In such case, you should destroy this message and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of my firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.