adopting alternative OSes (was Re: [Am-info] New E-mail Worm Exploits SARS Anxiety)

[Roy Bixler]

On Fri, Apr 25, 2003 at 01:12:11PM -0700, mike wrote:
> Because Linux is not yet ready for the desktop.  I have a new ASUS
> mainboard here and when Redhat Shrike is installed it cannot find
> the network card (built in) .  After I looked at what had to be done
> to simply install a network driver, again I understood why Linux is
> still outa the ball park when compared to Windows.  At least as far
> as the average user is concerned.  I feel Linux is at least three
> generations behind Windows when being considered as a desktop client
> for the masses.

It's true that sometimes the hardware detection isn't good but,
typically, "the masses" don't buy their own motherboards and do any OS
installation whatsoever.  It would help tremendously if the hardware
manufacturers and OEMs would either write Linux drivers or at least
support open source coders that write drivers by giving them
specifications for their devices.  It would also be helpful if the
Dells of the world would really support Linux by pre-installing it on
their machines.  The fact that they don't is somewhat, if not mostly,
due to contracts with Microsoft.  But when the major PC vendors
pre-install Linux on their hardware, that's when it can be considered
"for the masses."  As it is, it looks like it will be a slow grind as
the market continues to evolve.

Meanwhile, if you still want to try Linux, I suggest Knoppix at
"http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html".  It's a big download
at 700 MB, but the hardware detection is definitely a cut above your
average distribution.

>  Unless your company has dedicated IT people willing
> and ale to support Linux desktops, it currently has a snowballs
> chance in hell to replace Windows for the average user.

I hear that's happening in more and more companies due to Microsoft's
strong-arm licence policies and higher licence fees.

> Sad but true.  I hope they can get it together, but so far it is
> still a long way off....

It's largely a cultural problem and not a technological one.  When a
critical mass decides that Microsoft takes too many liberties, then
you will find Linux/name-your-alternative-OS support easier to come
by.  Meanwhile, running an alternative OS will likely take a bit more
diligence, such as researching which hardware best supports your OS,
on your part.

R.