Incoming from Andrew Graupe: > All CLUG members: while trying to promote linux at school and around > the community (an uphill battle, trust me), I have encountered several > people who say that Linux is a "hobby" OS. Sadly, the other problem is
Try looking at it from the other direction; is Wintendo an appropriate use of limited computing resources? Can mere mortals afford to run Wintendo (legally), year after year after year? Is it a secure enough system to protect the interests of the user? Can mere mortals support it technically, as in upgrading hardware and software without calling in a technical specialist? Can they afford to buy twice as powerful systems every year just to keep up with Wintendo's code bloat (Gates' Law: Every eighteen months, processing speed halves)? That kind of user (and I think that's about %90 of them) need somone with our skills to back them up, regardless of which system they're running. They often can't figure out how to get their virus checkers to update their definitions automatically. They don't have any idea what's involved in replacing their video card. They don't know enough to avoid making foolish hardware purchases. They may be able to point&click their way through an install but, as someone else said, they'll be left with a semi-configured system. I think Linux/FLOSS can be used successfully in just about any role, including a hobby PC. I think Wintendo can only be used safely and cost effectively by businesses who can afford a dedicated support staff. -- Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced. (*) http://www.spots.ab.ca/~keeling - - _______________________________________________ clug-talk mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://clug.ca/mailman/listinfo/clug-talk_clug.ca
