[Coco] Windows vs. Linux (was 512K upgrade)

[farna at amc-mag.com]

OS is a matter of choice -- how wonderful it is to be able to say that!! I
prefer Linux, especially for new users, because it's not a malicious
hacker target. But if they want to play a lot of games or need to run
something that doesn't have a Linux equivalent (more games now than
anything else), then they are stuck with Windows. Most don't install a
good anti-virus before using, or activate the AV that comes with Windows
now.

While the point that Windows is on 98% of systems (at least in the US),
it's not on there because it's the best or most accepted... or at least it
didn't get there because of that. It got there because of cut-throat
marketing and in some cases blatant "bullying" of competitors. In many
cases MS just bought the competition, and I'm sure there were a few
hostile takeovers, though I can't validate that statement. MS sought to
create a monopoly and have manages to do so, and the US government won't
do anything about it because THEY have become so dependent on Windows (not
just my opinion... but that is an opinion). That stance does make sense --
I recall when business and home computer brands each had their own OS, or
had versions of the "same" OS that were similar but customized to the
particular hardware so much that software was incompatible (like CP/M and
even early versions of MS-DOS). You have to admit that it's really nice to
go into a store and pick up software, or know that the software on your
computer will run exactly the same (and share files!) with your friends
and co workers.

Windows HAS done some good because of the large base, but I can't help but
think that if it were more open even more could be done now. Linux has
caught up to the point that it's a challenge, but because it is open MS
can't take it over. That's good, because I think they would if they could!
Add WINE (or better yet BUY Crossover) and you can run many Windows
programs. I switched entirely over to Linux about two years ago, but
bought Crossover so I could run a couple Windows programs easily. I also
bought Crossover to make it easier to install and manage Windows programs,
and I also BOUGHT PageStream for my DTP software. Works great and I don't
regret it!!

Unfortunately there is a major problem with Linux, or rather Linux users.
They want everything free. That I actually paid for some Linux software
makes many Linux users cringe! That attitude has to change for Linux to be
a real market success. There is some programmers that ask for donations
(like the old share-ware model) that make a little for their efforts, but
none of the big-name companies will port to Linux and few really good
programmers will waste their time on major Linux productions because there
is no money in it. It's not just greed -- anyone should be fairly
compensated for their time and effort, users can't expect them all to work
for free. The Linux community is blessed by many programmers who do work
on projects for the fun of it or the learning experience, but it can't go
on like that forever. Most large packages are group efforts, which reduces
individual efforts, but slows development.

Oh no, I didn't forget about Apple! That's always been a niche market due
mainly to costs, and I don't expect that to change.