Hi,
I'm sorry for the noise I caused, but I want to clarify some
things:
> Skype *is* awesome in terms of any Linux product. It works
> on almost all major distros out-of-the-box without any
> configuration needed (firewall included). This cannot be
> said for apps like gnomemeeting etc... They need severasl
> ports forwarded before they work properly which is often a
> PITA for the Linux-newbie.
That's right. From a usability point of view it's really a
great app.
[...]
> As for removing Skype in the future?? Where do you get your
> information from? It sounds to me like your personal
> opinion which is based on nothing more than your pro-gpl /
> anti-the-rest attitude.
Please note that I'm not RMS. I have no problem with
commercial software.
> You do realise that Skype being commercial is a company
> which like *every* other commercial company *needs* to make
> money to survive?
Of course :) .
> Their p2p method *will* remain free too,
> and as for them dropping the Linux version.... well you do
> realise that Linux is playing more and more of a major role
> in the business desktop market right?
Currently: yes.
> Why would they cut
> their own money-supply off by dropping Linux (which, for
> the record, they aren't).
They will in case Linux will not be this successful as we all
expect. That's a normal behaviour for a company, like Adobe
dropping Mac support for Framemaker etc.
> have regular contact with their developers ... I think I
> would know if they were dropping the Linux support ~ that
> is unless you know something I don't ?
Sorry, their developers will be the last people who know about
the business plans of the management :) .
> Sigh ... another twisted opinion of the word "freedom".
> Dude, it's "freedom" in terms of free to choose (and to
> have a choice), rather than "as long as it's free (price)
> AND GPL then it's OK ~ otherwise they are just \"abusing\"
> you".
No. I have no problem with the Skype client being closed
source software at all.
But I have a problem seeing a single company controlling the
worldwide IP telkephony with a proprietary protocol.
For me it's not that important to have software at no cost,
for me it's important to have open file formats and
protocols, so there are not only choices today, but I also
have a choice tomorrow. And Skype does exactly what I fear:
They try to control the VOIP market, and everyone using Skype
helps them to reach this goal.
As soon as they will open their protocol, I'll immediately
change my opinion.
Best regards
ce
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