Linux is dead... at least on the desktop

[ppesci]

That is simply not true. If there are 2 billions desktop out there and if linux only has 1 percent, that is about 20 millions installations. This is a very respectable number.

In the other side, companies are doing money selling linux as product or services even in the desktop. Why they go to leave a profitable business?.

My company pushed to offer linux in replace for windows several years ago. Now that is not necessary because customers are calling us because they need to use linux and doesn't have the expertise to install, training and use linux effectively, because they need a better scalability, security and control.

Linux doesn't need to have a huge market share in order to be successful, only need a profitable business model, and that has been real from last several years. Linux is here to stay, like it or not.

[Underdonk]

Originally Posted by forkbomb

If by "standard business tools" you mean whatever 'proprietary scheiss' Microsoft has locked the majority of businesses into thinking they need, sure. "Facilitate ease of communication"... I don't get where you're going with that. You can't exactly argue MS is fostering "ease of communication" when they have made it a decades-long policy to ignore or only poorly implement extant open standards in favor of developing and supporting their own special sauce instead.

It's self-reinforcing, really, because from the standpoint of many small businesses, you're right. It often sadly does make the best financial sense to enter/stay in locked-in conditions using proprietary MS protocols and formats. But that's not because MS genuinely fosters "standard business tools" or "facilitates ease of communication". Microsoft just finds it good business to do the opposite as long as they dominate market share...

I agree with what you're saying, however, in my opinion and based on my past experience, that's the reality of the situation. I think that, as IT professionals (assuming that's the general audience here), we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we're here to provide a service and not to push ideals. Typically, when I run across someone in business who has a very negative view of Linux, or OSS in general, it's because they've had a bad experience with a project in the past where someone tried to leverage OSS where it didn't fit... because they either felt strongly about OSS or because they were just trying to save a buck. Business is interested in the best tool for the job, regardless if that tool is "proprietary scheiss" or not.

I was going with "ease of communication" meaning the free and easy exchange of content, compatibility with many common online webapps (many of which, from many different types of providers such as payroll and insurance, still require Windows+IE), and the use of many external collaboration tools. I wasn't referencing the underlying protocols they (Microsoft) have taken and hacked together in vague semblance of the standards.

EDIT: Remember we're talking about the desktop, here. Completely different situation in the data center.

[kona0197]

Frankly I hope stevea's right that "the beast" is declining. I've been convinced for awhile that MS has stagnated in terms of being able to bring anything exciting to the table

I disagree with this statement. 7 has plenty of new features.

Originally Posted by MorphingDragon

Linux essentially rejects the world, so the world ignores it. Mac OSX embraces standards, open or not, therefore relevant to the world.

FUD.......maybe you could get a job at PC World.

[jpollard]

Originally Posted by kona0197

I disagree with this statement. 7 has plenty of new features.

Really? What are they? I haven't seen anything new from Windows
other than aggravation, expense, incompatibility, and insecurity
since about 1994.

Even then, they weren't really new - the features existed in other
operating systems.

[forkbomb]

Originally Posted by kona0197

I disagree with this statement. 7 has plenty of new features.

If we use WinXP as the yardstick for newness, you've got a point.

[beaker_]

I've spent the day setting up my new work lappy... yep 6hrs on Win7 Pro and I'm ready to accidentally roll over it and it's recovery discs with a lawn mower. Or feed them to a snowblower... we'll see what weather saturday brings. Bloody crap-ware, if the stats claim Linux is dead, then it's because the mean has lowered... their intelligence i.e.,

Originally Posted by MorphingDragon

And those in that group who are smart go the OSX86 route.

A little arrogant are we? Wow, you are something else.

---------- Post added at 12:43 AM GMT ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 AM GMT ----------

Originally Posted by jpollard

Really? What are they? I haven't seen anything new from Windows
other than aggravation, expense, incompatibility, and insecurity
since about 1994.

Even then, they weren't really new - the features existed in other
operating systems.

Why our 2 "friends" that don't even use linux come here and try to aggravate us linux users, is beyond me. They keep thinking they can make us "see the light". Pretty pathetic. You won't see me on mac and windows forums trying to get people to see things my way, as it is a waste of time. But I guess some people have nothing else going on in their lives. Sad.

[MorphingDragon]

Originally Posted by Canterbury

A little arrogant are we?

Your arguments, they are so powerful. I must instantly put aside my ideas for your ideas.

(Also, your arrogant comment assumes I actually agree with the OSX86 project is doing)

Originally Posted by Canterbury

FUD.......maybe you could get a job at PC World.

Why would I? I probably get paid more converting businesses to Linux only infrastructure. Or would you like to prove its FUD instead?

[forkbomb]

I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.

Edit: Monty Python quotes deserve some notation, Tom. Carry On. - Bob

[MorphingDragon]

Originally Posted by forkbomb

I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.

Excellent Drama Inducing Post.

[beaker_]

Hahaha I'm trying to recall if that's Blackadder or not.

Late edit: Ooops, it's Python.

[bob]

Since you've "forgotten" to use Smilies for your post, Forkbomb, I am forced to consider this a violation of the Posting Rules and reason for closing this thread. Please PM me with some explanation.

Edit: Never mind; I've found it: http://www.uselessmoviequotes.com/umq_m010.htm Let's give Monty credit though! Thread reopened.

[forkbomb]

Originally Posted by Bob

Edit: Monty Python quotes deserve some notation, Tom. Carry On. - Bob

Sheesh. Guess I just assumed a zinger from such a well-known comedy would be immediately recognizable.

[bob]

(Bob is shamed to have ever called himself a Monty Python fan ).