In comp.os.linux.advocacy, Roy Schestowitz
<newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote
on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 19:45:20 +0100
<288221023.liDmKHxq1z@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
> So get your tu-tu on (trumpet). The English in this essay is weak, but the
> message is clear.
>
> Linux or Windows?
>
> ,----[ Conclusion ]
> | Is Microsoft finally about to face real competition in desktop-computer
> | software? The next version of Windows, the one that will replace XP, is
> | not going to be delivered for a long time, opening up a window of
> | opportunity for Linux. In addition, the upcoming version of Windows is
> | likely to be expensive and require new hardware, two other areas where
> | Linux competes well. It may also involve too many changes. By the time
> | it's delivered, more and more Linux distributions will look more
> | like Windows.
> |
> | We predict a bright future for Linux. His main points are: it's free,
> | the applications are getting more mainstream, Open Office is a
> | quality product, the GUI is pretty much like Windows, it's high
> | quality, and resistant to the thousands of Windows viruses and worms.
> | That's why we choose Linux.
> `----
>
> http://www.helpero.com/news/Computers/Linux/Linux-or-Windows_31.html
I've seen a lot worse English from native speakers. :-)
His main missing point is TCO -- and considering the
taint on the term "TCO" Microsoft has put thereon (and
the general terseness of the piece; this may run about 2
printed pages at most), it's not a large omission.
I am not sure Linux was "designed with security in
mind", though; the security is a natural outgrowth of
the best-practices Unix admins and kernels have employed
for years. This is not a bad thing; many Winvocates claim
Linux is based on "old" technology, but then so is the
common wheel. Some things need no improvement; for others,
"improvement" is possible but unnecessary. [*]
There is one file type Linux (qua Linux) will not work with:
.EXE files. That requires additional software -- WinE. Not a
big problem for those who need it, really. In a way,
that's a good thing; that file might be an important
ActiveX component -- or a piece of malware.
Also, "ease of use" for Linux may depend on the user,
bringing to mind the old adage about Unix being very
friendly -- it's just picky about its friends. If one is
used to Windows' quirks, command lines, coding practices
(if one uses Visual Basic or C++), and such, Linux will
offer a bit of a challenge -- and welcome relief if said
quirks, coding practives, and such give the administrator
random reboot headaches or other odd behavior.
I'll admit to some curiosity as to how one defines the
term "ease of use", but I'd say they're about equal [+], if
one doesn't have to get into sysadmin territory. "root"
has special needs, as does Windows' Administrator. I'm not
sure how to characterize the differences, really, apart
from the obvious one of they're different spelled, and
the more profound one of Windows' trying to do everything
by GUI (and succeeding with varying amounts of success),
versus Linux's trying to retrofit a text-based administrative
system with varying amounts of GUI. (Really, does one need
a dialog box for "passwd"? Just fire up an xterm and type
it in...though it helps if one knows that one should type
'passwd'. The 'apropos' command might help there.)
It's a lot better than in the SLS days, certainly. (A lot
bigger, too; SLS and Slackware fit on about 30 floppies.
Most distros need at least 1 and possibly more than 1 CDs,
but that's because the Linux bandwagon is *huge*; the band
proper might occupy the corner but the entire crowd enjoys
the music. :-) And if one doesn't like that bandwagon --
there's another 349 or so following. :-) This can lead
to cacophony but it's not usually a problem.)
All in all, reasonable.
[*] the only improvement I can think of might be maglev
tech, and that only in certain contexts. I'd frankly have
to research the issue, but a train (steel wheel/steel rail)
according to a rather silly Web-based ad campaign can
apparently get about 410 miles to the gallon of diesel
fuel, according to one advert -- presumably while it's
cruising at 60 or so mph on level grade, even if fully
laden with people, luggage, and/or freight.
[+] personal preference probably plays prominently. :-)
For instance, it's reasonably simple in Linux to
use "focus follows mouse". I'd have to find the option
on Windows, if it even has such. Also, Windows cannot
iconify hung apps.
--
#191, ewill3@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Windows Vista. Because it's time to refresh your hardware. Trust us.
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