On Fri, May 10, 2002 at 10:45:35AM -0400, Jeff Graves wrote: > This is the inherent problem I see with linux. I feel that it's NOT for > the average home user and I don't ever see it taking over the desktop. > However, it is an extremely lucrative option for the server side of > things. There's simply to much involved for a casual home user to deal > with. And what reasoning do they have to migrate "from the dark side"? > The don't exactly get any added benefits.
Do you remember when Apple ran ads making fun of people struggling to figure out how to install MS-DOS, with it's cryptic C:\ prompt? Yet, for some reason, millions of people chose MS-DOS over the much simpler GUI Macintosh. Surely, installing DOS, then Win 3.1 was too involved for a casual home user to deal with. There are many reasons to migrate away from the dark side. Here are three: 1. Economics. Windows XP Home, the crippled version costs $199, the uncrippled Pro version costs $299. When you add up the cost of useful software applications, you can easily spend several thousand dollars on closed source applications to get a useful computer. For $79-$200, I can get Pro versions of SuSE or Red Hat and run my entire business, with hundreds of computers and all the apps I'll ever need. In fact, I do just that. 2. Control. Are you are aware that MS includes spyware in their operating systems? Do you know the media player tracks and uploads what videos you play? Did you know that their is permanent hidden log of everywhere you visit saved by IE, even if you delete the history and cache? Windows and Outlook are the perfect virus breeding grounds. I haven't bought a useless anti-virus program since I switched to Linux. With Linux, you can mold the system into anything you want or need. You run the software you want. With Windows, you are a mindless drone, eating the shit Microsoft shoves in your mouth. Your computer belongs to Microsoft and it will run the softwar they want, not the software you choose. 3. Trust. With Linux, you can see and understand everything going on in the system. In fact, you are encouraged to learn how things work. With the MS EULA, you are banned from learning too much about what is happening on your computer BY LAW. You can go to jail for reverse engineering if you try to understand too much. Do you trust the convicted criminals at Microsoft to treat you fairly? I don't. This is the most compelling reason to use Linux even if it cost 10 times as much. Trust. Who you trust with your information is no less important today than who you trust with your money. Best Regards, Keith -- LPIC-2, MCSE, N+ Got spam? Get spastic http://spastic.sourceforge.net _______________________________________________ Redhat-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] https://listman.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/redhat-list
