> > > > I thought the niche Debian was trying to fill was rock solid > > > > stability and reliability in a 100% free software format. If > > > > I'm confused, let me know. Right on.
> > > That's a reasonable goal, even a good goal, if you are willing to > > > remain a small, exclusive club. Actually, Debian is one of the fastest growing distribution according to Netcraft: http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2005/12/05/strong_growth_for_debian.html and Linux in general is making it's mark with companies such as HP, IBM, and Google and around the world. > > > I'm arguing to > consider the point of view of would-be Windows defectors. I don't believe the Debian project is not meant to be a Windows replacement. I don't even think it exists to compete with MS Windows, but to provide a free(dom) operating system for everyone. > > Here are a couple of cases for things that casual users can manage in > Windows PC's but would have great difficulty in Debian. The following > is not meant to say that Windows is good. It's not: it's crap. But > they did do some things right, and we ought to take notice. You can get books that help. In fact, the Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible (ISBN 0-7645-7644-5) is a great book for those just getting started with Debian and Linux and answers the first two common tasks they'd need to know as well as installation help and getting a desktop up and running. They also discuss Internet and Intranet services such as web servers, printing, file servers, FTP, etc, and it's only $40.00 (hey, you're not paying for the operating system!) I just get a little upset when people want to mold Debian into something like a Windows clone. If you want that, try a Debian-derivative such as Linspire or Xandros. I also don't like it when people completely ignore the accomplishments of Microsoft with Windows and rip them to shreds as if their operating system is non-functional without considering that MS made the PC and an office suite so prevalent. I don't agree with their business tactics, licensing nightmares or their monopoly in the desktop world though. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]