On Thu, 6 Nov 2003 09:51:17 -0500
"BenignVanilla" wrote:

Where, again, is Linux lacking?
In the user base. That's the only place.

1) Your nick implies you have some computer knowledge, so I am not
surprised you are able to run Linux without an issue. What about the
regular Joe Schmoe's? Can they find and configure drivers easily on a
Linux box like they can on an MS box? I doubt it.

Therein lies the money maker for Linux-knowledgeable people. A small
shop selling Linux-compatible hardware, installing and setting up a
system with users already installed, permissions on users set to
disallow any messing with the system. It would be simplicity itself to
update/install software remotely on machines from your shop, lessons
could be given...
OTOH, my Libranet Linux distro (a variety of Debian for you propeller
heads) was easy to install, easy to use, easy to update or install new
software, has up to date hardware detection, will automatically set up a
dual-boot system if there is another OS already on the hard drive(s),
and has the look and feel of Windows to a large extent using the Ice
window manager.

2) If Linux is so superior why are we all not using? Because is is
only superiour in some ways, and right now those ways do not out weigh
the pro's of windows.

BV.

Linux is not in popular use /in the US/ because Microsoft long had
exclusive use contracts with major manufacturers of computers, thereby
getting PC buyers used only to the Windows way. It is easier to do
nothing than to make an effort to load and learn a new system when
you already /have/ learned one. Today, after the recent lawsuit,
Microsoft is no longer allowed to hold these exclusive contracts but
most manufacturers still will not anger the giant by even releasing
hardware specs so Linux folks can write their own drivers, much less
write the drivers, themselves.

That said, it is possible to use a wide variety of Windows-only hardware
under Linux, just as it is possible to use lots of Windows-only software
because Linux coders aren't afraid to acknowledge the existence of other
OSs.

OTOH, there /is/ a steep learning curve, not because Linux is so hard,
but because it is not the same as Windows.
On the gripping hand, those who learn Linux first learn just as fast as
Windows users and will not even consider switching to such inferior
OSs as any of the Microsoft offerings, each new iteration of which has
its own learning curve.

BTW, have I said that I'm rebuilding my backyard pond? It's almost done
and will be ready for plants soon. I will be waiting for spring to put
in any fish, though.

Cybe R. Wizard
--
Unofficial "Wizard of Odds," A.H.P.
Original PORG "Water Wizard," R.P.
"Wize(ned) Wizard," A.P.F-P-Y.
Barely Tolerated Wizard, A.J.L & A.A.L