JM Ibanez wrote:
Again, that is not the point. For us (as Linux users) to be able to inform people about Linux and allow them to make a rational & objective decision, we have to know the strengths and weakness of our platform. "Know thine enemy" and "Know thyself" and all that.
When I read their public statements, I find it striking that the top brass at Microsoft (Ballmer, Gates, etc...) have a very keen understanding of what Linux is about and its consequences to their business model. That is the reason why why they're still around and making it ever harder for people (like me) to choose Linux over their offering.
The so-called Linux 'evangelists' (read: zealots) on the other hand, rely too much on rhetoric and their own brand of FUD to promote their OS of choice. They see the world through distorted glasses. Microsoft cannot afford to do that.
All applause goes to the people hacking on Linux and the rest of open source for their myriad glorious technical achievements, but those /promoting/ it have a LOT to learn. Fact is, the bigots and zealots are responsible for a good amount of backlash towards Linux adoption. I should know, it happened to me on this very list.
5-8 years ago, my perception was that Linux put Microsoft on the defensive. I think today, it's the other way around. I find it astounding that today, Microsoft can still charge the amount they do for their software and people are finding more good reasons than before to prefer it over Linux.
I am still very much turned off by the idea of using Windows as a server platform, but I'm now actually fairly willing to reevaluate this stance of mine!
For the desktop, there just is no contest. I see Linux as a platform for hacking (since that's the only way you get to see the source), but use Windows for everything else because I just get a lot more things done in less time on it.
I root for Linux but use Windows. Yes, I know... I'm a fence sitter and a traitor... I can feel my skills in the Light Side fading and the pull of the Dark getting stronger... :-D
-- reply-to: a n d y @ n e t f x p h . c o m
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