> I think the real question that people are asking is " Are there any
> *COMMERCIAL* applications for Linux?" The answer to that one is a little
> less favorable for those who are looking for assurances, unfortunately.
I think that's exactly the question for a lot of folks.
Many people aren't comfortable with using the net for anything other than
surfing aimlessly and for trading E-Mail forwards of jokes.
Those people can't imagine that you can get any and every piece of
software you want from net-based downloads; and even if they could imagine
it, would they be able to install and configure these things? That can get
messy and requires some commandline use; your typical Windows user isn't
smart enough to do that, so they want shrinkwrap with mindless "Next"
clicking.
PHBs not only want their basic office apps, but they also want the
reassurance that there's a decent selection of software out there. And that
means shrink wrap to them also.
No doubt this situation will improve. Redmond seems to be helping us in
the idea that you can "buy" software from the net. Fine, that helps to
tackles one issue. What's needed now are more ISVs and a standard package
installation routine so that ISVs don't have to worry about the deb/rpm
issue and other silliness.
--
Regards, | ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) | "The most important design issue...
. | http://www.golgotha.net | is the fact that Linux is supposed
Randy | <http://www.linux.org> | to be fun...." -- Linus Torvalds at
| <http://www.debian.org> | the 1st Int'l Symposium on GNU/Linux
**********************************************************
To unsubscribe from this list, send mail to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the following text in the
*body* (*not* the subject line) of the letter:
unsubscribe gnhlug
**********************************************************
