Re: Microsoft Linux!

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Are you sure this is KLUG Kalamazoo Linux Users Group and not KMSUG Kill
> Microsoft User Group?!?

I ask for flames . . .   :-0

> I don't get where if someone wants to use and appreciate Linux they must
> therefore hate Microsoft?!?  Can someone explain this to me?  Is it because
> the people who have co-opted Linux are really socialists and the real agenda
> is to push their political scheme?!? (Duh) 

First, I don't ever recall saying that I hate Microsoft.

I don't like some of the ways they leverage their monopoly power
against others, and I try to find other solutions whenever possible.

On the other hand, I do respect Microsoft for a number of things.

I found the parody funny, and did my best NOT to disrespect 
Microsoft in my original email with the link.  
I even referred to them as "MS", not "M$" in _that_ email.

> You know what, if you are going
> to hate Microsoft because they charge money for their product, then be
> consistent and the next time your employer gives you a pay check, insist
> that they keep the money.  After all your employer has a RIGHT to the fruits
> of your labor for free!

You're not clear on the true meaning of "free software".
Read what Linus has to say on the differences between 
"free software" and "free beer" sometime.

There is nothing wrong with being paid for labor.  Even if
you're writing "free" software.  The last I knew, Alan Cox
(linux kernel developer) was on Redhat's payroll.

> Have we suffered because MS is over charging?  Nope.  Add up IBM OS2 with
> stacker, Norton Utilities, let's see what other software do we get bundled?
> A lot to say the least.

That's debatable.  If you really want to debate it, take it to 
the list "os-discuss".  It's not appropriate for this list.

> Anyway. It is not my intention to throw the baby out with the bathwater; I
> appreciate this group for it's wealth of knowledge on a product that I feel
> is a quality product.  But the right tool for the job.  Windows and Linux
> are apples and oranges.  Linux beats MS as a WEB server and perhaps as a web
> browser, but Windows holds the market for desktop apps and development.  Oh
> yes, Linux is more stable than Windows 95/98 but ties with Win2K.  Don't
> hate the hammer because you are a screw driver.  Just use the right tool for
> the job.

You make some good points, and I agree with a lot of it.
Some minor points are debatable.  Again "os-discuss" if
you really want to.

> But!  I do remember the days when the only language to write any application
> in was Pascal.  But that was because that was the tool I was best at.  Can
> anyone see a parallel?
> 
> These un ceasing attacks on Microsoft reminds me of a squad of 15 year old
> cheerleaders.  Each attractive in their own way, cackling about how each of
> the other girls is ugly.  Btw, Character assassination is a fallacy of
> debate.  Even if Microsoft was the worst product in history and Bill Gates
> the Anti-Christ, none of that would make Linux a better product.

I agree that it gets old sometimes, and I try to limit my 
comments on M$ (other than calling it "M$" often by habit).

This parody I found humorous and sent it to the list.  
I would do it again.  I do NOT appologize for it.
As with most humor, not everybody finds it funny.  

*******************************************************************
EVERYONE:  Let's take ALL replies to this to the list "os-discuss".
It is a waste of bandwidth to send this discussion to 170 people
on the main list, many of which do not wish to see it.
If you're not a member of the os-discuss list, and wish to be,
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--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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