Microsoft goes on a 'myth-busting tour'

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counterpoint

---1. The Linux desktop has failed to gain any real traction
compared to MS Windows. Users have simply said thanks but
no---

I think this is an overstatement. How many MS users are even
aware of the Linux desktop as an option? How can they say
"thanks but no" without even knowing it exists. Keep in mind
that most computer users use phrases like "I just got an internet
for my computer".

---2. Linux is a knock off of UNIX---

Well, it's based on UNIX. Is Apple's OSX a knock off of Unix as
well? Is Windows 95 a knock off of DOS? Is Windows XP a knock
off of NT? Where is the line drawn between being derivative and
being a knock off (which is, by the way, a pejorative term)

---(It's up in the air if there was any direct copying.)---

Still clinging to this old chestnut? Has there been any evidence
whatsoever that this is the case? Are there even any charges of
this still in the court case SCO is currently trying to push? I
guess it's still up in the air, but then again, it's still up in the air
whether monkeys are going to fly out of my butt this afternoon
as well.

---3. Anything MS does, Linux (open source) follows right
behind trying to duplicate it. (Mono as an example)---

Is this really a negative. MS dominates the computer world. Any
other OS has to react to them, and has to make their products
interact with them. Would it be considered bashing if I point out
that anything Apple does, Microsoft follows right behind trying
to duplicate it (usually 3-4 years later and in a much more
clumsy manner)?

---5. Open source for the most part is ignoring the "patent"
threat and it will eventually bite them in the backside. (Even
Perens agrees but the zealots here refuse to hear it.)---

I don't think anyone is "ignoring" it (Perens article is pretty clear
evidence that people are aware of it). The question of how much
of a hindrance it will be is an open one, and it's an issue that
affects proprietary software as well (just ask Eolas).

Posted by: tic swayback   Posted on: 06/11/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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