2016: "You're watching the Linux Channel."

TalkBack 21 of 123:

Next »

« Previous

• Thread View
• Flat View

My View

First, no one hates Microsoft more than I do - for both practical and ethical reasons. After dealing with Microshaft's endless parade of crap for nearly two decades, I finally abandoned my PC for a Mac. It was one of the best moves of my life.

I kinda sorta respect Linux. But I don't think it would work for me at present.

First, I need something that's user friendly and puhLEEZ don't regale me with all the BS from the Linux geeks that insist Linus IS user friendly! (More about that later.)

Second, Dreamweaver and Photoshop are among the software programs I can't live without. If they aren't compatible with Linux, then neither am I.

* * * * *

Af for Linux's future, I'm not optimistic. To put it in perspective, compare Firefox and Linux.

Firefox has skyrocketed to success, now ranking as the second most popular browser. Its fan club is energetic, almost giddy, sometimes a little vicious in their attacks on Microsoft (one reason I love Firefox).

In contrast, Linux is like a corpse. It's market share remains miniscule, it scarcely has a pulse and its fan club sometimes appears to be composed of a bunch of zombies.

So why isn't Linux more successful? I have two theories.

First, its fans. In this day and age, EVERYONE - including normal people - use computers. But I think Linux tends to attract computer nerds, people who just can't relate to normal people or the real world. Collectively, they're bright people when it comes to technical skills, but there answer to every other question seems to be, "It's easy!"

These people don't understand or care about politics. Indeed, many disdain politics, arguing that they prefer to just watch Linux steadily erode Microsoft's market share. Whatever.

The second reason is Bill Gates. We all know Gates - who's effectively a career criminal - has played some really sleazy anti-Linux games, from the SCO affair to his patent war. But only a fool would believe we know the whole story. What else has been going on behind the scenes?

Without going into details, I believe that Microsofsties have heavily infiltrated the Linux community. They are helping to steer the good ship Linux in circles, far out at sea.

With Microsoft's fortunes now falling and competition increasing, it's possible Linux will finally blossom. But I'm not optimistic about its short-term prospects.

Apple is currently on a roll. I could see it becoming the most popular computing platform by 2016, but I doubt that Linux would even be in second place by then. With a little luck it will boast 10%-30% market share.

I hope Linux does at least that well, because, as much as I love my Mac, Apple needs competition, too.

* * * * *

David Blomstrom
Anti-Billysoft Activist and Candidate for Public Office

Posted by: David Blomstrom   Posted on: 07/24/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

Alert moderator to an offensive message

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

• Virtualization: Architectural Considerations And Other Evaluation Criteria VMware Of the many approaches to x86 systems virtualization available in the ... Download Now
• The Impact of Virtualization Software on Operating Environments VMware Today's use of virtualization technology allows IT professionals to ... Download Now
• Why Isn't Server Virtualization Saving Us More? A Few Small Changes May Dramatically Increase Your Efficiency VMware Companies have rapidly adopted server virtualization over the past few ... Download Now