cat Xerox | Apple | Microsoft ?

From: Allison J Parent <allisonp_at_world.std.com>
Date: Sat May 23 11:22:53 1998

I'll make this the last rant on list... However I invite off list
discussion. It's a matter of keeping the on list comments "classic".

I don't hate unix, it does dissappoint me that with all the hoopla
installation is not better explained. IE: installation for non unix
weenies. There is little attempt to communicate in such a way that
doesn't assume unix socialized as the norm. I did pick up Linux for
Dummies to get Redhat that comes with it and it was at least more direct.

<Believe me when I tell you (and I can only back this up with gut
<instincts) that it doesn't matter. The world is changing, and if nothin
<than by sheer force of will, Linux will prevail, or in the very least
<crush the MS monopoly. I think it is not far fetched in the least to
<imagine in five years that manufactures like Dell and Compaq and Gateway
<will start selling Linux boxes, as long as the DOJ is reasonably

They already do but by MS license they can put linix in it and still pay
MS. Till that stops they will be dos boxen.

<Well, I don't know what you're doing wrong but I've run a Linux box on a
<486/33 with 8MB and it screamed. As for the apps not being available,
<either give it time or bite the bullet and write them yourself and
<contribute them to the linux collective. That's what its all about!

I'm not in business to write schematic capture or PCB routing software.
If I did I'd do it on the VAX before I would for a PC.

<You've got to check out Applixware! All I say to this is "...yet!" Thi
<may not all be true yet, but its happening. Linux is becoming easier fo
<even the common turd to use. Like I said, give this time. Five years.

I just recently got REDhat version to try in place of the former
slackeware and it's easier to install but known solid dos apps still
die in the middle and the few windows apps are unusable. The install
was easier and it supported fewer devices. The docs were nearly current
and I'm still trying to understand configuring IP networking. It's
potential is there, the implimentation is still "you gotta be a unix
head". I still find the idea of device drivers as part of the kernel
requiring a compile to install some new device odious. Loadable drivers
are done in many OSs. This last item is wy PCs with their nearly the
same with millions of subtle versions either run well or just sorta.

I run a PC to do work, I really don't like the cpu or programming it.
If I'm going to write code it's for embedded hardware or 8048, 8751,
z280, z8000 maybe pdp-11 or VAX.


Allison
Received on Sat May 23 1998 - 11:22:53 BST