M
MicroFox
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/423
gesh.. they are calling for it... linux will whip their as*
gesh.. they are calling for it... linux will whip their as*
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
M
Mike Brannigan
MicroFox said:http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/423
gesh.. they are calling for it... linux will whip their as*
Did you actually read the whole article?
Are you using Windows XP today?
Do you really see that big a difference between the 2 EULAs
This is all just a rehash of the same stories around Windows
Activation the first time around. End users are in no significantly
different position then they are today with Windows XP when it comes
to actual impact.
Just one trivial example of why this article is hack sensationalist
reporting
On page one
"...
The first problem is, you may think you bought a copy of the operating
system. Actually, the OS is still owned by Microsoft. You may own a
physical DVD, but what you have "bought" is the right to use the
software subject to any of the terms and conditions of the End User
License Agreement (EULA),
...."
SHOCK news Mr Rasch - but EVERY Windows release for over 10 years has
been licensed not sold to end users.
This is just a sensationalist piece trying to scare end users.
I could pull the article apart but I think we all have better things
to do.
P
Paul Mckenna
You say that but aren't we worried about being sued by MS for using Linux?
Y
Yoshi
you're a clown. go back to work for the circus.
G
Gene
Okay, lets break this down..
"What is interesting is not whether you have the right to use
unactivated-but-properly-purchased software, but how Microsoft enforces its
right. What Microsoft says is that the software will simply stop working.
So, where is the proof that the software is not activated? Who has the
burden of proof? What if you assert that you did activate the product, but
Microsoft claims you did not? What if you attempt to activate the product,
but Microsoft's servers are down, or they provide improper information, or
their servers are hacked and give you bad activation information? What the
contract states is that unless you can activate the product (irrespective of
whose fault it is that you cannot activate), you forfeit your right to use
the product, and therefore access to any of the information on any computers
using the product."
This is just silly. I have had to re-activate XP by phone, and guess what?
Microsoft Activation is just a phione call away. Guess what? It is a 1-800
number too. And it does not have the $35 assistance fee. this guy needs to
get his head out from his rear.
"The license is also silent on what happens after you fail to activate the
product. Is there a mechanism for you to at least open the product to allow
you to activate it, or do you get a Blue Screen of Death? Since their
objective is to ensure that the product is activated, presumably they will
allow you to at least get an Internet connection and take you to an
activation screen."
Pre-activation, for 30 days, you have full operability, or on entered,
"awaiting" mode. you have 3 days of un-interrupted service, everything
working as it should. you can even do "Windows Update." If you read the
system requirements, one of the first things noted is the requirement for an
internet connection. If you don't read the words on the box, is that
Microsoft's fault?
"Here's where it gets hairy again. If for some reason the software "phones
home" back to Redmond, Washington, and gets or gives the wrong answer -
irrespective of the reason - it will automatically disable itself. That's
like saying definitively, "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that..."
Unless you can prove to the satisfaction of some automoton that the software
is "Genuine," or more accurately, that under the relevant copyright laws
that you have satisfied the requirements of the copyright laws and all of
the terms of the End User License Agreement, the software will, on its own,
go into a "protect Microsoft" mode. Besides placing an annoying "Get
Genuine" banner on the screen, and limiting your ability to get upgrades,
the EULA warns that "you may not be able to use or continue to use some of
the features of the software." The EULA itself does not state which features
these are, but the website advises that, unless you can show that you are
genuine, you won't be able to use Windows ReadyBoost(tm), whcih lets users
use a removable flash memory device; the Windows Aero(tm) 3D visual
experince; or the Windows Defender anti-spyware program."
Old news here. If you get a message that your copy has come back, "invalid,"
you have the ability again, to call Microsoft, or re-send the activate
information (note that there is a "grace period" as well. 30 days if I
remember correctly. In that 30 days, if you don't try to re-send, or, in
worst case settings, if it simply will not re-activate, call Microsoft
(again nustomer service Activation) Free at last I checked, Vista will go to
reduced capability.
" "you can recover from Microsoft and its suppliers only direct damages up
to the amount you paid for the software. You cannot recover any other
damages, including consequential, lost profits, special, indirect or
incidental damages." So if your entire network is shut down, and access to
all your files permanently wiped out, you get your couple of hundred bucks
back - at most. And, as far as I can tell, there are no warranties on the
license, no assurance (like the kind you would get on a toaster oven or a
lamp) that the thing actually works or does any of the things advertised."
Actually, this is nothing new. It is the standard for ALL software. I will
go into this farther.
1. ANY computer administrator worth the money he or she put into the classes
they took, will tell you that NOTHING is as valuable as back-ups. Most will
say daily, some will say weekly. If you are letting your server go that far
without a back-up, guess what, you have no one to blame but yourself
2. most average computer users will tell you right away, and pardon my
language, but "Shit happens." Computers crash, whether you are using Vista,
XP, NT, Linux, Mac, or any other system. If I got to sue every time my XP or
Linux box crapped the bed, I would be a rich guy.
3. 80% of the time, both in the server side, or in the home PC side, "total
loss" crashes are due to operator error (virus, incompatible programs, or
just fooling around with resources and such that shouldn't be fooled with.
15% of the time, it is due to hardware issues (crashed hard drives, CPUs,
Mainboard Frys). That leaves 5% that can possibly be faulted to the OS or
Server software. And I am being very liberal on that 5%. Most administrators
would most likely tell you it is less.
It is very easy to blame the OS for any issues you are having, but just like
I have told others in this group. "Just because you may be having problems
with the OS doesn't mean it's the OS's fault. Because there are many of us
who have had NO issues what so ever. Check your system compatibility before
you install, and install at your own risk."
"In the early days of computers, there were several cases where software
developers determined that licensees didn't make appropriate payments and
therefore shut down the computer programs. "
Here I go listing things again:
1. Vista doesn't have a "drop dead" code it has a reduced capability code.
Under reduced capability, you can still link your computer to external
devices, you can still save items, you can even still access the internet
for 1 hour at a time. but most users will not have that problem, because
they will be wise enough to activate, or if there is an activate issue, be
wise enough to call and get it straightened out.
2. The EULA makes no attmept to hide the fact that if you fail to take the
required actions that your computer may be reduced in capability.
3. From what I have read, the lawyers who wrote this EULA researched the
possible issues, and such to make the agreement as people friendly as they
could, and still be legal. There is nothing vague in it. All you have to do
is read it. And if you don't read the contract before you sign it, well, you
are just being foolish!
Micro, this guy, undoubtedly knows very little about the EULA, other than
what he has read, if he even read the whole thing. Moreover, all these
"worries" have been addressed many times over, both by microsoft, and by
others, like myself, who have little problem understanding what is laid out
in black and white.
----- Original Message -----
From: "MicroFox" <->
Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 1:16 PM
Subject: Vista is looking worse every day
"What is interesting is not whether you have the right to use
unactivated-but-properly-purchased software, but how Microsoft enforces its
right. What Microsoft says is that the software will simply stop working.
So, where is the proof that the software is not activated? Who has the
burden of proof? What if you assert that you did activate the product, but
Microsoft claims you did not? What if you attempt to activate the product,
but Microsoft's servers are down, or they provide improper information, or
their servers are hacked and give you bad activation information? What the
contract states is that unless you can activate the product (irrespective of
whose fault it is that you cannot activate), you forfeit your right to use
the product, and therefore access to any of the information on any computers
using the product."
This is just silly. I have had to re-activate XP by phone, and guess what?
Microsoft Activation is just a phione call away. Guess what? It is a 1-800
number too. And it does not have the $35 assistance fee. this guy needs to
get his head out from his rear.
"The license is also silent on what happens after you fail to activate the
product. Is there a mechanism for you to at least open the product to allow
you to activate it, or do you get a Blue Screen of Death? Since their
objective is to ensure that the product is activated, presumably they will
allow you to at least get an Internet connection and take you to an
activation screen."
Pre-activation, for 30 days, you have full operability, or on entered,
"awaiting" mode. you have 3 days of un-interrupted service, everything
working as it should. you can even do "Windows Update." If you read the
system requirements, one of the first things noted is the requirement for an
internet connection. If you don't read the words on the box, is that
Microsoft's fault?
"Here's where it gets hairy again. If for some reason the software "phones
home" back to Redmond, Washington, and gets or gives the wrong answer -
irrespective of the reason - it will automatically disable itself. That's
like saying definitively, "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that..."
Unless you can prove to the satisfaction of some automoton that the software
is "Genuine," or more accurately, that under the relevant copyright laws
that you have satisfied the requirements of the copyright laws and all of
the terms of the End User License Agreement, the software will, on its own,
go into a "protect Microsoft" mode. Besides placing an annoying "Get
Genuine" banner on the screen, and limiting your ability to get upgrades,
the EULA warns that "you may not be able to use or continue to use some of
the features of the software." The EULA itself does not state which features
these are, but the website advises that, unless you can show that you are
genuine, you won't be able to use Windows ReadyBoost(tm), whcih lets users
use a removable flash memory device; the Windows Aero(tm) 3D visual
experince; or the Windows Defender anti-spyware program."
Old news here. If you get a message that your copy has come back, "invalid,"
you have the ability again, to call Microsoft, or re-send the activate
information (note that there is a "grace period" as well. 30 days if I
remember correctly. In that 30 days, if you don't try to re-send, or, in
worst case settings, if it simply will not re-activate, call Microsoft
(again nustomer service Activation) Free at last I checked, Vista will go to
reduced capability.
" "you can recover from Microsoft and its suppliers only direct damages up
to the amount you paid for the software. You cannot recover any other
damages, including consequential, lost profits, special, indirect or
incidental damages." So if your entire network is shut down, and access to
all your files permanently wiped out, you get your couple of hundred bucks
back - at most. And, as far as I can tell, there are no warranties on the
license, no assurance (like the kind you would get on a toaster oven or a
lamp) that the thing actually works or does any of the things advertised."
Actually, this is nothing new. It is the standard for ALL software. I will
go into this farther.
1. ANY computer administrator worth the money he or she put into the classes
they took, will tell you that NOTHING is as valuable as back-ups. Most will
say daily, some will say weekly. If you are letting your server go that far
without a back-up, guess what, you have no one to blame but yourself
2. most average computer users will tell you right away, and pardon my
language, but "Shit happens." Computers crash, whether you are using Vista,
XP, NT, Linux, Mac, or any other system. If I got to sue every time my XP or
Linux box crapped the bed, I would be a rich guy.
3. 80% of the time, both in the server side, or in the home PC side, "total
loss" crashes are due to operator error (virus, incompatible programs, or
just fooling around with resources and such that shouldn't be fooled with.
15% of the time, it is due to hardware issues (crashed hard drives, CPUs,
Mainboard Frys). That leaves 5% that can possibly be faulted to the OS or
Server software. And I am being very liberal on that 5%. Most administrators
would most likely tell you it is less.
It is very easy to blame the OS for any issues you are having, but just like
I have told others in this group. "Just because you may be having problems
with the OS doesn't mean it's the OS's fault. Because there are many of us
who have had NO issues what so ever. Check your system compatibility before
you install, and install at your own risk."
"In the early days of computers, there were several cases where software
developers determined that licensees didn't make appropriate payments and
therefore shut down the computer programs. "
Here I go listing things again:
1. Vista doesn't have a "drop dead" code it has a reduced capability code.
Under reduced capability, you can still link your computer to external
devices, you can still save items, you can even still access the internet
for 1 hour at a time. but most users will not have that problem, because
they will be wise enough to activate, or if there is an activate issue, be
wise enough to call and get it straightened out.
2. The EULA makes no attmept to hide the fact that if you fail to take the
required actions that your computer may be reduced in capability.
3. From what I have read, the lawyers who wrote this EULA researched the
possible issues, and such to make the agreement as people friendly as they
could, and still be legal. There is nothing vague in it. All you have to do
is read it. And if you don't read the contract before you sign it, well, you
are just being foolish!
Micro, this guy, undoubtedly knows very little about the EULA, other than
what he has read, if he even read the whole thing. Moreover, all these
"worries" have been addressed many times over, both by microsoft, and by
others, like myself, who have little problem understanding what is laid out
in black and white.
----- Original Message -----
From: "MicroFox" <->
Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 1:16 PM
Subject: Vista is looking worse every day
L
Larry Maturo
Hi Gene,
I mostly agree with you, but there is a problem you didn't cover, and XP has
it
also. Its possible that something will happen (in my case it was a setting
in IE)
that prevents the system from recognizing your system as Genuine. When that
happened to me I had to pay tech support $35.00 to diagnose and fix the
problem, and it took several days of trying various things to fix it.
With XP, the worst I would have suffered was the inability to update my
software. On Vista, it makes the system pretty much unusable for anything
but contacting MS.
This is different than the case you covered, because you can't reactivate
the system without diagnosing and fixing the problem first, and a call for
a reactivation code will not fix the problem in and of itself. There is no
800 number for this either, nor did tech support offer to refund me my
money, even after I asked.
-- Larry Maturo
I mostly agree with you, but there is a problem you didn't cover, and XP has
it
also. Its possible that something will happen (in my case it was a setting
in IE)
that prevents the system from recognizing your system as Genuine. When that
happened to me I had to pay tech support $35.00 to diagnose and fix the
problem, and it took several days of trying various things to fix it.
With XP, the worst I would have suffered was the inability to update my
software. On Vista, it makes the system pretty much unusable for anything
but contacting MS.
This is different than the case you covered, because you can't reactivate
the system without diagnosing and fixing the problem first, and a call for
a reactivation code will not fix the problem in and of itself. There is no
800 number for this either, nor did tech support offer to refund me my
money, even after I asked.
-- Larry Maturo
K
Kevin Gerry
I don't know why you had to pay $35 to speak to the person. Whenever I have
spoken with Microsoft support the people would even assist me if I had an
OEM license without charging me, stating that they'd assist in the interest
of Customer Service.
spoken with Microsoft support the people would even assist me if I had an
OEM license without charging me, stating that they'd assist in the interest
of Customer Service.
F
Frank
If you're using limux you need to SUE YOURSELF!Paul said:You say that but aren't we worried about being sued by MS for using Linux?
Frank
M
MicroFox
why? Linux is getting better and has all the capability to become a
mainstream OS,
MAC OSX is bases on BSD, that is a form of unix too....
I like all OS... but this Big Brother scenario of Vista having your
information
sent to them at random intervals is creepy...
With XP it was not like that... you could activate once via phone.. and that
was it...
but now as long as you are online someone is keeping track of you...
I dont like that idea.... do you? It is clearly in the hands of the consumer
to
change this. If enough people tell MS to shove their OS unless they change
this, they will start worrying...
mainstream OS,
MAC OSX is bases on BSD, that is a form of unix too....
I like all OS... but this Big Brother scenario of Vista having your
information
sent to them at random intervals is creepy...
With XP it was not like that... you could activate once via phone.. and that
was it...
but now as long as you are online someone is keeping track of you...
I dont like that idea.... do you? It is clearly in the hands of the consumer
to
change this. If enough people tell MS to shove their OS unless they change
this, they will start worrying...
G
Gene
Linux is great if you understand more about computers than the "average
user."
But Micro, lets be honest, if you ask any "common user" to gedit their
resources or perform a sudo action, they will look at you like you are a
stone fool.
I use Kubuntu Edgy on aonther box, and I enjoy using it. When I started,
however, it was murder, trying to figure out the difference between universe
and multiverse. Moreover, just using the standard program isn't really good
enough. You have to figure out how to add nifty little programs like
Automatix, which opens up another list of issues, like trying to figure out
what works great in Gnome, or what is better suited for KDE.
Wore more is if you don't know what distro you need, and end up with a
distro that has less ability, or worse than that, a distro that has a less
advanced UI.
Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu, they are great advancements in the Linux world. They
have created a system that is much more user friendly, and they have made an
installation system that is much better than the old fashoned terminal
installation. But there is still a lot of work that must be done before
Linux becomes a mass market favorite.
Also, it will take Linux becoming a market favorite before hardware
manufacturers start taking Linux serious. Sadly, with as long as Linux has
been around, many popular hardware manufacturers are not creating drivers
that linux compatible, and WINE doesn't always help getting the drivers to
work.
Are they moving in the right direction? Sure! Are they there yet? Not near.
user."
But Micro, lets be honest, if you ask any "common user" to gedit their
resources or perform a sudo action, they will look at you like you are a
stone fool.
I use Kubuntu Edgy on aonther box, and I enjoy using it. When I started,
however, it was murder, trying to figure out the difference between universe
and multiverse. Moreover, just using the standard program isn't really good
enough. You have to figure out how to add nifty little programs like
Automatix, which opens up another list of issues, like trying to figure out
what works great in Gnome, or what is better suited for KDE.
Wore more is if you don't know what distro you need, and end up with a
distro that has less ability, or worse than that, a distro that has a less
advanced UI.
Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu, they are great advancements in the Linux world. They
have created a system that is much more user friendly, and they have made an
installation system that is much better than the old fashoned terminal
installation. But there is still a lot of work that must be done before
Linux becomes a mass market favorite.
Also, it will take Linux becoming a market favorite before hardware
manufacturers start taking Linux serious. Sadly, with as long as Linux has
been around, many popular hardware manufacturers are not creating drivers
that linux compatible, and WINE doesn't always help getting the drivers to
work.
Are they moving in the right direction? Sure! Are they there yet? Not near.
A
Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]
Thanks for the rant, but if you have an issue, its best to just get to the
point. Your post looks more like something for a blog. You can get a free
one at http://spaces.live.com
point. Your post looks more like something for a blog. You can get a free
one at http://spaces.live.com
F
Frank
Like you just confirmed, linux is a hobby that quickly turns into a job.Gene said:Linux is great if you understand more about computers than the "average
user."
But Micro, lets be honest, if you ask any "common user" to gedit their
resources or perform a sudo action, they will look at you like you are a
stone fool.
I use Kubuntu Edgy on aonther box, and I enjoy using it. When I started,
however, it was murder, trying to figure out the difference between
universe and multiverse. Moreover, just using the standard program isn't
really good enough. You have to figure out how to add nifty little
programs like Automatix, which opens up another list of issues, like
trying to figure out what works great in Gnome, or what is better suited
for KDE.
Wore more is if you don't know what distro you need, and end up with a
distro that has less ability, or worse than that, a distro that has a
less advanced UI.
Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu, they are great advancements in the Linux world.
They have created a system that is much more user friendly, and they
have made an installation system that is much better than the old
fashoned terminal installation. But there is still a lot of work that
must be done before Linux becomes a mass market favorite.
Also, it will take Linux becoming a market favorite before hardware
manufacturers start taking Linux serious. Sadly, with as long as Linux
has been around, many popular hardware manufacturers are not creating
drivers that linux compatible, and WINE doesn't always help getting the
drivers to work.
Are they moving in the right direction? Sure! Are they there yet? Not near.
The more you know about computers the more it sucks you in.
I already have a real job.
Frank
M
MicroFox
Linux for desktop mass use is not ready, you are totally correct...
but it COULD become ready if they wanted... In a years time.
Thats all Im saying.. if they had the goal to make it the most user friendly
OS
on the planet.. they could do it..
its all about putting a goal and working towards it.
but it COULD become ready if they wanted... In a years time.
Thats all Im saying.. if they had the goal to make it the most user friendly
OS
on the planet.. they could do it..
its all about putting a goal and working towards it.
A
Alias
MicroFox said:Linux for desktop mass use is not ready, you are totally correct...
I don't know about that. I just showed Ubuntu to someone who is only a
user and doesn't even know how to get to Windows Update and, after
playing with it awhile, she really liked it.
but it COULD become ready if they wanted... In a years time.
Thats all Im saying.. if they had the goal to make it the most user friendly
OS
on the planet.. they could do it..
its all about putting a goal and working towards it.
The release of Vista will help promote Linux in a big way here in Spain
as the price for Vista will be outrageous. That and the SPP/WGA/WPA
nonsense (which is what finally motivated me to check Linux out).
Alias
M
MicroFox
yeah.. but once you want to install a software that is not made specifically
for that
distro, then strange problems occur.. You have to start using the shell and
commands,
and searching on forums. Its ok when you use the ubuntu pre-made apps...
or if something breaks when you try a
display adaptor driver and you cant load X... well I can tell you its a
scary experience! lol
A small example is my experience with Mandriva2007, that has XGL. Well Xgl
worked out of the box and it was great. However it still had firefox 1.5.x
and I wanted 2.0,
but there is only a tar.gz firefox download.. so i just downloaded that and
unzipped it
and started it from a shell command. It worked but since it was not
installed the
fonts did not follow the fonts of the rest of the desktop, they were bigger
than normal.. very strange behavior...
I didnt know how to fix it and I would have to search in forums again.. but
I didnt have time for that...
In windows everything mostly foolproof.. even if you mix up.. you always
have system restore...this can be done for linux too if they want to..
of course with windows you have other problems, viruses malware spyware etc
that
create terrible problems that plague users.
for that
distro, then strange problems occur.. You have to start using the shell and
commands,
and searching on forums. Its ok when you use the ubuntu pre-made apps...
or if something breaks when you try a
display adaptor driver and you cant load X... well I can tell you its a
scary experience! lol
A small example is my experience with Mandriva2007, that has XGL. Well Xgl
worked out of the box and it was great. However it still had firefox 1.5.x
and I wanted 2.0,
but there is only a tar.gz firefox download.. so i just downloaded that and
unzipped it
and started it from a shell command. It worked but since it was not
installed the
fonts did not follow the fonts of the rest of the desktop, they were bigger
than normal.. very strange behavior...
I didnt know how to fix it and I would have to search in forums again.. but
I didnt have time for that...
In windows everything mostly foolproof.. even if you mix up.. you always
have system restore...this can be done for linux too if they want to..
of course with windows you have other problems, viruses malware spyware etc
that
create terrible problems that plague users.
H
Harry Ohrn MS MVP
What are people going to do with the software they've bought for Windows
that won't run on Linux? Certainly most Linux distros come with a collection
of programs bundled with them but in reality people will want to continue to
use the same software they've become accustomed to. for that reason Linux
will likely never become a serious contender in the home user market.
that won't run on Linux? Certainly most Linux distros come with a collection
of programs bundled with them but in reality people will want to continue to
use the same software they've become accustomed to. for that reason Linux
will likely never become a serious contender in the home user market.
M
MicroFox
Those companies are going to give the owner of the license an additional
copy that will be ported to linux for free.
Once the userbase grows, this will happen. Multiported programs already
exist for
windows and macs.. if they have them for macs that is a small percentage,
I can imagine that they will RUN to offer this for linux once it starts
booming. Its all about doing the start..
If a big company like adobe starts doing it you bet that everyone will
follow..
with one exception. Microsoft. Because they hate linux, because they know
its potential. And they fear it. Fear becomes hate.
You are like the people who saw the first horseless carriage, and laughed,
saying it
will never take off, and the horse is better. The streets were made of mud
then,
and the wheels stuck, the motors broke down and the car was expensive
because
it was not mass produced. You lack insight that ANYTHING can be
accomplished,
if people put their minds to it. You do not see all the other parameters at
play. But I do.
I can give you 2 reasons why it will be a very big contender. Its free and
its open.
But there are at least another 98 I can tell you.
We are living in a global age now, the internet is changing everything.
China and india is on the rise.... and they are smart fellows... they will
probably take the lead from now on....
As for the older ones windows still can be used until they fade out
copy that will be ported to linux for free.
Once the userbase grows, this will happen. Multiported programs already
exist for
windows and macs.. if they have them for macs that is a small percentage,
I can imagine that they will RUN to offer this for linux once it starts
booming. Its all about doing the start..
If a big company like adobe starts doing it you bet that everyone will
follow..
with one exception. Microsoft. Because they hate linux, because they know
its potential. And they fear it. Fear becomes hate.
You are like the people who saw the first horseless carriage, and laughed,
saying it
will never take off, and the horse is better. The streets were made of mud
then,
and the wheels stuck, the motors broke down and the car was expensive
because
it was not mass produced. You lack insight that ANYTHING can be
accomplished,
if people put their minds to it. You do not see all the other parameters at
play. But I do.
I can give you 2 reasons why it will be a very big contender. Its free and
its open.
But there are at least another 98 I can tell you.
We are living in a global age now, the internet is changing everything.
China and india is on the rise.... and they are smart fellows... they will
probably take the lead from now on....
As for the older ones windows still can be used until they fade out
Harry Ohrn MS MVP said:What are people going to do with the software they've bought for Windows
that won't run on Linux? Certainly most Linux distros come with a
collection of programs bundled with them but in reality people will want
to continue to use the same software they've become accustomed to. for
that reason Linux will likely never become a serious contender in the home
user market.
--
Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
MicroFox said:Linux for desktop mass use is not ready, you are totally correct...
but it COULD become ready if they wanted... In a years time.
Thats all Im saying.. if they had the goal to make it the most user
friendly OS
on the planet.. they could do it..
its all about putting a goal and working towards it.
J
John Barnes
I agree, but the amount of Windows software that won't install on Vista is
also appalling.
also appalling.
Harry Ohrn MS MVP said:What are people going to do with the software they've bought for Windows
that won't run on Linux? Certainly most Linux distros come with a
collection of programs bundled with them but in reality people will want
to continue to use the same software they've become accustomed to. for
that reason Linux will likely never become a serious contender in the home
user market.
--
Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
MicroFox said:Linux for desktop mass use is not ready, you are totally correct...
but it COULD become ready if they wanted... In a years time.
Thats all Im saying.. if they had the goal to make it the most user
friendly OS
on the planet.. they could do it..
its all about putting a goal and working towards it.
N
Nina DiBoy
Harry said:What are people going to do with the software they've bought for Windows
that won't run on Linux? Certainly most Linux distros come with a collection
of programs bundled with them but in reality people will want to continue to
use the same software they've become accustomed to. for that reason Linux
will likely never become a serious contender in the home user market.
You need to look at the big picture.
Countering the fact that people are used to Windows and don't like
change is the fact that Windows is also changing. What are people going
to do with software they bought on windows 98/2000/xp that doesn't run
on Vista? Buy a newer version that does run on Vista you say? People
will get tired of spending all that money eventually. After they spend
all of that money on the new versions of software supposed to work with
Vista, they will then start to inevitably have problems crop up with the
buggy DRM bloat that Vista is full of. They want to listen to music
they paid for, but WMP can't verify the license for it. They want to
watch a movie they purchased, but Media Center says it's pirated. Oh
no, I spent hundreds of dollars on it but Vista can't verify my
authorization? Now I am relegated to reduced functionality mode because
of a bug?
Dream on.
D
Dan
MicroFox said:Those companies are going to give the owner of the license an additional
copy that will be ported to linux for free.
Right, because giving away software for free is *such* a good business
model.
Mike