Microsoft fixes Office, Windows flaws

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Here's why

First of all, it's not just Linux guys, but Open Sourcers in general that are critical. I'm one of them, and I develop professionally on Windows as well, so those criticisms I have are well-founded.

You stated, "What I have to wonder is that if the LINUX guys are so very happy with what they're using why they constantly have to throw "tomatoes" at the competition."

The answer is that nearly all Linux users and developers have actually USED Windows. This is unlike the vast majority of Windows users and developers, who have used nothing else and have no basis for comparison. Many, if not most, Linux developers are developing for Linux because they were ALREADY dissatisfied before they made the switch. (BTW, you tend to see more rabid comments from recent Linux converts who are still 'high' on their discovery)

Since Linux is not a unified company it's a bit difficult for a kibbitzer such as yourself to keep up with all of the innovation that's going on out there. But experienced Linux users are frustrated when they read about this or that highly touted "new" XP or Vista feature that they themselves have had for years, and doubtless that's incentive for a some of the tomato-throwing.

For example, you mentioned no update facility. Not only does Linux have that, but it beats Microsoft's hands-down. Linspire users like my kids can download and install software with a single mouseclick from a single source (the CNR warehouse)... including third-party apps. And it handles payments, too!

So the criticism is from dissatisfaction all right, but not with Linux as you see to imply. Instead, it's dissatisfaction with their original OS, and dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition of their genuinely innovative ideas.

Dissatisfaction drives innovation. Nobody who is happy with the status quo has ever been motivated toward progress. You can take MSIE as a case in point. Microsoft followed the predictable pattern: They crushed the competition, then sat on their ass and let the thing stagnate until outside competition forced them to move again.

So be thankful that these grumbling Open Source guys are out there kicking Microsoft in their collective ass and providng them criticism and ideas and real competition with real alternatives. XP and Vista would be pure garbage without them.

Posted by: dave.leigh@...   Posted on: 03/15/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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