APPLEVISION Monitor

From: Doc <doc_at_mdrconsult.com>
Date: Tue May 7 01:41:19 2002

On Mon, 6 May 2002, Richard Erlacher wrote:

> (1) Several guys believe that using Windows obscures much of the power of the
> computer from the user. Is that important if the user's needs are met?

  Yes. There are needs, and then there's "OhmiGod, THIS is COOL!"

> (2) Several guys believe that using Unix/Linux is "Better." Why? If the
> user's needs are met, what does it matter how it happens?

  You might want to look for references to Largo, Florida's switch to
Linux on most of the city's hardware. Most telling are the reactions of
Joe Receptionist and Mary Data-Entry. They LIKE it. They had a site
admin system that was helpful with the transition. They _really_ like
not losing data to random crashes. They like the configurability and
the beauty of the KDE desktop.
  The City of Largo thinks it's "Better" because they stand to save
millions in reduced licensing fees, reduced downtime, and a greatly
extended upgrade cycle on their hardware.

> (4) What does it matter which OS or hardware arrangement is "better" if the
> user's functional and budgetary requirements/limitations are met?
>
> This shouldn't be a religious matter, should it?

  I've stayed pretty much out of the religious/political discussion, but
Yes.
  It _is_ very much a matter of principle, and a matter of philosophy.
Microsoft has been spanked repeatedly by the courts for its abuse of the
computing public, and its blatant disregard of the law. In my world,
that means you get points for not supporting them. If enough of us step
quietly (or not) off the Windows playing field, even Gates & Ballmer
might be able to see the light. If not, it soon won't matter. Nothing
that Windows offers is impossible in other operating systems.

        Doc
Received on Tue May 07 2002 - 01:41:19 BST

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