On Fri, 2003-12-12 at 22:59, Kevin Mark wrote: > On Fri, Dec 12, 2003 at 09:46:03AM -0600, Kent West wrote: > > OFF-TOPIC > > > > Perhaps I have no business posting this here . . . . > > > > I've done business with TigerDirect in the past, but recently > > they've added a pro-MS banner to their home page. I wrote this note > > to them, and would encourage other Debianistas who have done > > business with them to make your feelings known to them also. Note, > > I realize many (most?) of you aren't anti-Microsoft (unlike > > myself), but are rather pro-Debian, but the banner just seems -- > > wrong, somehow, for freedom-loving folks. I'm probably > > over-reacting (and hopefully this message won't get me in a bunch > > of killfiles), but it just seems like I should make you folks aware > > of this. > > > <snip> > Hi Kent, > IIRC they offer some no os pcs. If that is the case, as long as they > continue to do this, that is what I would care about. > I understand their position, 99.9% of businesses that are pro-linux are not > anti-microsoft but just want for ms not to bury them(sun,...etc) contrary to what > the linux community wanted out of the antitrust cases. Freshmeat, Slashdot and other > media have had ms banner IIRC. So, this is not a big deal to me. > What is a big deal to me is the DMCA, Patriot Act and DRM. > -Kev
I myself am not a pure-ist. But, I no longer use windows, and Boot Debian Sid for my OS of choice. I have long promoted Debian, even while my colleagues were Red Krap freaks because they thought it was cool to like linux, but not really know anything. But I have to say I agree with the original poster. Although I agree that our biggest threats to the 'Open Source' movement is things like the DMCA...etc. There is also the problem of the small threat. Not to 'Opensource', but to Linux it self. 'Opensource' is not Linux, it's a way of life. Companies like Tigerdirect, by promoting XP, have shown a bias. They are a hardware distributor, who are now promoting a software upon the hardware they sell. Are we not a legitimate OS that can run on the same hardware? Companies like Dell stopped selling Linux based computers because there was a lack of interest. But it was funny that I noticed that the same hardware could be bought for a cheaper price, from them, when it was shipped with winblows. Only problem was, and have experienced this, Dell would not honor their warranty if it was shipped with winblows, and got formated and Linux installed. I mean holly fril, If Gateway had a sticker that guaranteed that every piece of hardware on a specific Box was Linux compatible, no matter what os was shipped, they'd probably become better than they are currently. But, why do they not get this????? HP recently announced that they will start supporting Debian, but where on their site can I gat a laptop pre-installed with Debian? I just want these companies to recognize that we buy too, and that we want to know if a particular product is Linux compatible. I mean, a while back I was a big ATI fan. But, once I realized they would support the video drivers only, but not support the All-in-Wonder card's TV functions, I completely quit using them, and am now anti-ATI unless they get their shit together and support Linux as a whole and not just when they want too. At least nVidia puts out Linux drivers for their cards! (yes, I know about the gatos project, but it's an outside thing....ATI has not helped them.) Hell, Bioware...although took way too long to put out the Linux version binaries for NeverWinter's Nights, at least they put it out. Unlike all these other companies who don't consider my OS worth while to develop for. These companies promote the M$ monopoly, and should realise that maybe, currently M$ may have a lagre group, 70% to whatever of the desktop world(just a guess for the rant), but are you really wanting to lose 30% of your business? And what if M$ goes under....if you have never developed for others you go under as well. Jesus, how much of common sense does this take for them to get it? Honestly, how many of us would go completely to a particular hardware vender if they had a stamp that said....'Linux Compatible'. You know we all would. And, I don't have a problem if tigerdirect, or anyone else, has banners that are windows oriented, but if they promote that they recommend windows over anything else, then we should let them know that we are Buyers as well and would appreciate equal advertisement or they will not get our business, and promote against them...like maybe a link page of Linux-friendly hardware distributors, or whatever we can to make these game developers and hardware makes know that we want to be supported, and are tired of being treated like second class citizens. I don't give a damn if most computers run winblows...I don't! and I want to watch DVD's, play games, burn cd's, and do all the same things they do. And, my opinion is that if they don't develop for Linux as well, then they are promoting the M$ monopoly, and should be liable under the U.S. justice for promoting a monopoly I would say just my 2 cents....but I think I have taken up a dollar! Wayne -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
