Several points... - There are *far* more Java desktop apps (in both quantity and quality), but they use Swing/JavaFX/SWT rather than GNOME/KDE like Mono does. End-users don't care, but in the developer communities, Java developers are their own separate group that happen to support Linux (well) while Mono is a full participating citizen in the the Linux GNOME/KDE dev camps.
- Ubuntu and GNOME include Mono and some prominent Mono apps (F-Spot + Tomboy) by default. Java and Java apps are all optional installs. Also, there are some exceptions, but most Java apps don't use the standard software repositories, and must be installed separately. - The Mono team lead and public evangelist (Miguel De Icaza) was also the founder behind GNOME (even if he hasn't been actively involved with GNOME for years). GNOME is the major piece of the standard Linux desktop experience. This gives Mono huge credibility points and they aren't shy about that. - Java has a major image problem. Lots of people loudly hate Java, and I'm convinced it's arbitrary brand politics rather than technical reasons. BTW, I'm typing this from my Ubuntu laptop on jEdit and I use jEdit and NetBeans frequently. Honestly, I don't use too many desktop apps any more; just standard OS stuff like web browser, music player, file browser. I think Dick Wall has Microsoft's intention all wrong. Linux support is great for developer mindshare. They want to own and control as much of the codecs, protocols, and standards that they can. A project like Mono that's goal is to replicate Microsoft tech and port to other non- Microsoft devices and platforms is very well-aligned with their goals. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
