XP Starter under the gun

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REL: I wondered whether Microsoft could succeed...

?... in making Starter Edition successful when governments were tending toward favoring Linux. Sounds like they have a real chance.?

Not really Anton... as the people grow into their systems and become more proficient a natural tendency to expand past their current level will arise... when they see the cost to move forward, it will surely me a negative that will be hard to overcome. Then factor in for those that get connected... oh the pain they will suffer. Linux is a much better choice for these people. Zero software cost, zero software restrictions and zero threat of virus's, spyware and such.

?The reasons benefit the public who might buy Starter Edition.?

No, it will only benefit Microsoft, not the recipients.

?They should learn the world's standard software in order to qualify for jobs better than they would have had without knowledge of Windows.?

Microsoft is not the world and they are only a standard because they have destroyed any possible competition until Linux came along. If they want to be truly flexible and obtain technical / computing skills then a Unix based system is most assuredly the way to go. There are no restrictions with Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD other than the persons willingness to learn and grow. As for the rest of the world, many are moving off of Windows and onto Linux, they are redefining their standards to meet their culture and their needs, not what some rich American company says they must use.

?If a software industry is to grow in a country, the measure of success is the ability to sell outside the country. If new software were specific to an operating system (distribution)used only by people who live in sight of each other, there wouldn't be much chance for international sales.?

Uh... wrong Anton, the thing is Linux and Open Source are all about interoperability. They are based on common standards that are implemented universally to function the same regardless the platform. Microsoft is the ONLY large player that refuses to play nice. Because of their anti-competitive and anti-social behaviors they have stagnated the PC industry. A prime example is Internet Explorer, works on it's own standards that were forced onto users and developers and DOES NOT conform to the WORLD Consortium of standards, which were designed for all systems to follow for true and clean interoperability on the internet. Countries are using Linux just fine as are many large businesses as well as several small and mediums ones too, to conduct business with other peoples around the world and within their own locale. You are throwing a red herring out there, one that is perpetuated by Microsoft and it's ilk.

?People do like Windows and its ease of use. This also will keep people newly exposed to computers from being scared off.?

No Anton, some people like Windows, Linux can be just as easy to use. This whole ease of use red herring has got to die. People choose Windows because they are not aware of the alternatives until someone like myself comes along and shows them they do have a choice. And so far I have close to 300 people that have chosen Linux over Windows.

?And of course if people want to upgrade Windows and their computers are capable enough, they can always move up to the (pirated) full version.?

But that goes against the whole purpose of Microsofts goal! They want these people to be enslaved to them so Microsoft can bilk as much money out of their pocketbooks as possible.

?The one worry is if a government program to subsidize computer purchases is limited to Linux, how would people be able to install Starter Edition after they've stripped off the unwanted software?
Still, Microsoft is clever. They'll find a way.?

If a government uses Linux then they have a good solid financial head about them. They see the truth in that Linux can and does provide what people need at a cost that is acceptable in both money as well as licensing. They are also wise enough to get off the Microsoft upgrade treadmill. Then factor in the ability for a government to customize their offerings to their culture and their goals. Bottom line is Linux is a more viable asset than what you give it credit for.

Posted by: Linux User 147560   Posted on: 06/30/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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