The Open Source Threat

[nealander]

here (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1209&e=6&u=/washpost/20040907/tc_washpost/a2130_2004sep7&sid=96168965) Open-source software, namely Linux (news - web sites), is nipping more sharply at the heels of Microsoft, leading the software giant to defend itself more fiercely than ever against the insurgent rise of freely distributed, collaboratively coded programs.

The Redmond, Wash.-based software giant acknowledged Linux is a growing challenge to its business in its 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (news - web sites). Microsoft "is facing growing pressure from open-source software across every segment of its business -- a competitive threat that could have significant consequences for its financial future going forward," eWeek reported. "While Microsoft often mentions Linux and open-source software as a potential threat to its business, it seems to be treating the threat far more seriously and describing it as more pervasive than in previous official filings."

[Aman]

Analylists say that in less than 10 years Linux will be the most popular Workstation OS. :)

The world isn't ready for Open Source NOW - but it will be soon!!

[nealander]

i am planning to buy a new computer and i'm thinking of switching to linux... what could be the drawbacks? if any....

[Aman]

Drawbacks? You'll need to learn a new Operating system..

that's about it. command line is essential if you want to be a power user.

Oh, and the windows games don't run too well but on Cedega they run pretty well (www.transgaming.com for more info).

If you get a new system: MAKE SURE YOU GET AN NVIDIA VIDEO CARD AND NOT AN NVIDIA MOTHERBOARD! Some personal advice from my own experiences.

If you lived during the Amiga and Macintosh days, think of it as going from Commadore 64 to Macintosh. A brand new operating system, but, just like my example, the fundimentals are still the same. The rewards are great. Customize the OS specifically for you until you drop, speeds sometimes hundreds of times faster if you want to compile large amounts of code, MUCH more secure, and it's all free - and plus you have a source-built OS instead of the crappy binary installs by Mirco$oft.

[nealander]

ok. why not a nvidia motherboard?

[Aman]

well, it's just that VIA has much better compatability with the *nix drivers than the nVidia boards do - mainly because VIA has a larger user community. No other real reason.

No doubt, the nVidia boards WORK with linux, but it's easier for newbies to start with VIA chipsets.

[nealander]

i see. thanks for the advice. i will consider it. . .

oh, this is tough, i'd have to choose between a car and a good computer.

[Aman]

Get the car.

You don't need a good computer to run Linux.

[nealander]

yeah, dude, i wish it was that easy as to more expenses are coming up. :(

anyway, i can bear with my dad's :D
not everything i want, i get. :(

well, that's life. and hey, i'm buying a new pc next week, finally.

[nealander]

by the way aman,

who the hell is that on your avatar?
looks very interesting.

[Aman]

Well congrats on the new purchase coming up :)

The picture on my avatar is Master Shake. He is one of the three main characters in one of my favorite currently-produced television shows, Aqua Teen Hunger Force. It's quite bizaar but a VERY funny show.

[nealander]

well. by the sound of it yes, it is weird. aqua teen hunger force. :D