>xe22 wrote: Phil Perry wrote: > Furthermore, I keep reading how Linux is not quite ready for the > desktop, but please > tell me what it can't do. Well, I hate to stir up a hornet's nest, but here is my opinion on the subject. Technically (capability, stability), Linux is at least as good as Windows (before Win XP, I would have said "definitely better than"). As pointed out by others, MS's proprietary file formats are a big headache (and a moving target) for OSS developers. Windows-only hardware (winmodems, winprinters, etc.) with documentation restricted by confidential agreement with MS is another pain -- they have to be reverse engineered, so there's always some capability that can't be exploited by OSS. Finally, the two biggest pains for me are a lack of consistent interface design and poor documentation. (snip)
OK Phil-but the point is not the weaknesses of Linux but the abilities of Linux. It just has different black holes. The difference here is that anyone can do anything to get something to work. I use Canon (windows/Mac only!!!) because TurboLinux is available. The list goes on. We have to use XP to run proprietary paint programs using .net crap, and I can tell you I sure don't for a minute believe XP is anywhere near Mandriva in capability or stability (IMHO) Plus, the Linux install on new boxes I have to make is so much. better than XP it's unbelievable. If the common man is unable to use it, that's his loss. Developers up MS's rectum are my target since they force you to use MS, and even they are getting pressed to keep up with windows shenanigans. With Mac being unix based and making a good run at MS I think within a year or two all our units will be Linux. I'm already screaming at the paint software idiots about not using Java, and some do. Every time MS does a jog they shake off some diehards. I personally find Linux docs far superior to MS because I am not limited to the mouse click "here you go-this is what we give you" useless garbage. Linux may be harder to access sometimes, but I find them much better tech wise, and I think both systems have about the same size gaps. So I repeat, aside from specific software issues (Open Office may have drawbacks, but it'll get your work done) how is Linux not ready for the desktop, and what can't it do? Louis _______________________________________________ Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium Jun 4 - Sqeak! and eToys Jul 2 - KVM (Tenative) Aug 6 - Zenos Sep 3 - TBD
