Mainstream . . . (LONG)

[Zscoundrel at netscape.net]

Five years ago all the big software CEO's we saying that the OS market was dead and people would 
not get to passionate about what operating system they had on their system.  This may be true for a 
lot of people as long as it works, but I didn't really believe it then and I certainly don't 
believe it now.  

I have one machine with 'doze98  to keep my wife happy, and one with Linux that I do EVERYTHING on. 
 It works.  It works for ALL my home computing needs.  There is nothing mission critical about it, 
mostly I surf, but the stuff I do, I really enjoy, and the fact that I got ALL the software for 
less than $100 bucks makes me feel good too! 

I know I could have gotten ALL of the software free, but I choose to support the software companies 
that support freedom.  I also choose to spend a few bucks because it is faster and easier for me 
and I get a book and CD - which I value.  I have a house full of QRM generators, (QRM is a HAM term 
for man made noise) and I have very little time or peace of mind to concentrate on detailed 
installations or tricky problem solutions.    The book, CD and a support contract are good things 
in my book.

The cool thing about Linux that nobody realizes yet, is that MS wants to move to a internet based 
control strategy using application servers.  This would be cool, if a big company was doing it for 
itself, but with Microsoft, not only will you not get the install software, yo will have to pay a 
subscription fee.  this os where the .NET idea is going.  They want a regular cash flow coming in.  
Instead of free plug-ins, they will want cash up front just for granting you the priveledge of 
viewing a document someone mailed to you that happened to be created with MS software.

It is my hope that Linux and the open sorce movement can out a stop to these plans.

mike neuliep <mike at illiana.net> wrote:
>
> OK, just had to have my two cents worth in here.  Linux will be mainstream, 
> but
> only in the server and appliance / single-use machine type applications.
> Linux is especially mainstream in networking appliances.  Linux makes a great
> developer's desktop, but for the average user, they're hooked on M$.  It's 
> like
> a bad drug.
> 
> Rule of thumb:  The more configurable your OS and apps are, the more difficult
> it is to use to it's extent.  This explains holds true for win32 vs linux.
> 
>     Mike
> 
> 
> 
> 
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