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Forking?
Microsoft often releases new versions that are incompatible with older versions. Try opening a Word 1.0 file in Word 2000. Try opening a Word 2000 file in Word 6. Try using programs written for Windows95 with WindowsXP. Try using programs written for WindowsXP with Windows3.1.

Similar problems CAN happen with Linux programs. The problems are rarely because of changes with Linux, but because of changes to the common code libraries. But with Linux systems, you can patch in the old versions to make it work. and you have forward compatibility because you can patch next year's version into your existing system. This is not possible with Microsoft's products.

RedHat is stating that they are not comfortable basing their reputation for releasing stable systems on software that has not been fully tested on corporate systems, but that some of the functionality from the new version has proven useful, so they will add that functioanlity to the older systems. Their reputation is safe. Their customers get more and better functionality. Everybody wins.

Customers who want the latest code can still use it, just not with RedHat's guarantees. That is the beauty of having the code available to everyone.

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Make your sig "Still no Preview button" until ZDNet fixes it.
Posted by: solprovider   Posted on: 10/29/03 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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Forking?  solprovider | 10/29/03
Linux was incompatible  Loverock Davidson | 10/29/03
Misdirection, misinformation and M$ shill  zd-spam | 10/29/03
Red Hat waits for new Linux kernel to pop  Loverock Davidson | 10/29/03
lol  doh123 | 10/29/03
What the heck are you talking about?  Damon K | 10/29/03
Which UNIX is that?  MarcB_z | 10/29/03
A real UNIX  Loverock Davidson | 10/29/03
Please name one.  Damon K | 10/29/03
I'd like to see that, too.  zd-spam | 10/29/03
left out a line  John Zern | 10/29/03
RE: A real UNIX  Iain_Peters | 10/30/03
We don'y define UNIX(TM), the Open Group does  Still Lynn | 11/29/03
Put in in perspective  zd-spam | 10/29/03
Put in in perspective  zd-spam | 10/29/03
the article fails to point out  doh123 | 10/29/03
Suse? a parasite of German government  pa2004 | 10/29/03
Please don't feed the troll (n/t)  Damon K | 10/29/03
No prob  FilledOut | 10/29/03

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