Subj : Re: Live CD
To   : ALAN ZISMAN
From : CHARLES ANGELICH
Date : Tue Sep 13 2005 05:14 pm

123c778e70bb
win95



Hello Alan - 

GH>> To stay on topic ("Windows") I argued for Linux at the
GH>> Senior Center computer lab ... with a GUI setup just like
GH>> Windows. The answer was : "If you're gonna do that, why
GH>> not just go Windows!" Alien mindset! 

AA>> A sad commentary indeed. :( MS has succeeded in
AA>> brainwashing them to think no alternatives exist. 

AA>> But what was your answer to their question? 

AZ> There is, in fact, a bit of a debate going on right now
AZ> about how to increase use of Linux as a desktop OS (rather
AZ> than as a server OS)... one side is arguing that Linux
AZ> needs to become more Windows-like. The other side suggests
AZ> (as in GH's anecdote) that if Linux becomes more
AZ> Windows-like, then users will see it as a cheap Windows
AZ> knock-off, and feel like they might as well stick to 'the
AZ> real thing'. 

There is a third group that believes it is the lack of
application software that discourages people who consider
changing over to Linux. I consider myself a member of that
third group. 

re: "More Windows-like" 

Whatever Windows has managed to do well or even just acclimate
the typical personal computer user to would have to be
addressed by any OS attempting to go mainstream. Avoiding the
pitfalls of releasing unfinished applications, the constant
need to patch the OS, and maintain a reasonably stable system
is also a factor in NOT being more "Windows-like". 

re: "stick to 'the real thing'" 

This is probably what stunned Linspire (Lindows). The marketing
made it sound too much like a Windows clone even though that
was never really true. 

Microsoft is in a transitional phase attempting to stem the
tide of pirated copies of it's software. Users often perceive
the need to authenticate the installation as 'accusitory' and
an attempt to invade their space even though, I am told, the
process is comparatively well organized by Microsoft. If
Microsoft continues in this direction it will drive many away
from the use of Windows and windows software. To where I do not
know but one suggestion is to APPLE. 

There are other OS backstage that could step forward if they
perceive enough of a weakness at Microsoft. OS9, QNX, and
others who have had some commercial successes in the past and
there is Oracle who swore they wanted to knock Microsoft down a
few notches. Google is putting together an impressive team of
experienced people and is often rumored to be considering
jumping into the fray. 

This _could_ get interesting at any point that Microsoft
stumbles and falls and can't get back on it's feet quick enough. 

Let the beatings commence!!! 

>
>        ,                          ,
>      o/      Charles.Angelich      \o       ,
>     <|                              |>  __o/
>     / >          USA, MI           < \   __\__
 

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