Re: Microsoft Linux!

[Adam Tauno Williams <adam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>>Are you sure this is KLUG Kalamazoo Linux Users Group and not KMSUG Kill
>>Microsoft User Group?!?
>I ask for flames . . .   :-0

I've got the wood....

>>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)

Well well well.  

Point one: I AM a socialist, but I do not (nor does anyone) represent or presume
to represent the ideology off "the Linux user".  Anyone who would define thier
political/philosophical/religious ideology around an OS needs serious help.  

Point two: As for co-opting and "pushing".  I don't co-opt because I'm not
subtle!!!  And "push"!! Give me a break.  "Pushing" a realistic and/or rational
political agenda in the United States is almost A WASTE OF TIME.  A "free"
culture that erupts at an quasi-public reference to
polotics/religion/philosophy/intellectualism needs no further comment.....

>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.

Ditto.  I don't "hate" Microsoft, I'm suspicious of large multi-national
corporations.  And I think history gives me damn good reason.

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

As do I.  And if DOS/Windows hadn't raised the PC to prominance, things like
Linux may have never come into existence. (Possible, hypothesis contrary to fact
I admit, but a plausible scenario).

>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.

As did I.

>>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!

Give me a break!!! If you're world is that black-n-white I hope you don't waste
money on a color television.  A corporation/employer has the RIGHT to ATTEMPT to
make a "reasonable" profit so long as it's doing so does not negatively effect
the public good or the economy in which we all, individual and corporate,
participate.

>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.

By the way, I paid $195 for my last copy of RedHat.  An it is worth every cent.

>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.

I don't get the point.

>> 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

No fruit in my shop, just tools.  I don't see any scenario where the two are
incomparible.

>>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

Yet to be seen.

>>hate the hammer because you are a screw driver.  Just use the right tool
>>for the job.
>>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
>>Gatesis the Anti-Christ

It's not the worst product, I drove a K car, ... once.  Bill ain't the
Anti-Christ.  Read revelation,  narrow-minded people will LOVE the Anti-Christ,
Oh! wait a minute......

>>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.

I laughed, I don't see any reason for an apology.
 
Systems and Network Administrator
Morrison Industries
1825 Monroe Ave NW.
Grand Rapids, MI. 49505