[SATLUG] [going OT] Future Of The Internet

[Larry Blodgett]

On May 1, 2004, at 5:28 PM, Walt DuBose wrote:

> Borries Demeler wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> As for the "steep learning curve", I must ask, what steep learning
>>> curve? If you put a complete newbie on a linux machine, or a windows
>>> machine, they have to go through the same process of learning to use 
>>> the
>>> system.
>>
>>

I must agree that the learning curve is about the same.  I came to 
Linux from MacOS 9 and DOS.  Although I have tried many, many distros 
but I presently am happy with Mepis (2 at home and 2 at work) (Mepis is 
a derivative of Debian).  I also run several MacOS X machines.  My work 
requires that I be involved with Windows 2000, so I run a single 
machine at home with Windows 2000 (oh yea, and my son has a Windows 
98se box)

The most difficult machine without a doubt is Windows 2000.  Many times 
you need to install things three or four times and finally the install 
works.  I have never figured out why that happens.  We have several 
specially trained and certified MS people at my work and they 
truthfully admit to these strange problems.  They admit that it is 
these types of problems that put the meat and potatoes on their table.

Do these types of problems occur on other systems?  Yes, but it is TEN 
times more common with Microsoft.

At home I have two MacOS X boxes and two Linux boxes directly on the 
internet with their own firewalls running.  In the past I tried to put 
Windows 2000 out there and it lasted about 2 weeks a shot (even with 
firewall software).  Just like most of you, I have installed Windows 
many, many many times for work, friends and myself, because I had to do 
it.

Maybe Longhorn will take away all the problems.  That's what I thought 
with 98se, 2000pro and XP.  It has been over 5 years now and I believe 
MS has improved but it is still not ready for prime time (even though 
someone said 90% of the internet tries to survive with it).

This is not the opinion of an expert or a professional, just an 
everyday user.  (So don't be to hard on me, this is just my opinion.) I 
can't address the learning curve of an expert.  If I didn't believe in 
the future of Linux/Unix on the internet I wouldn't be on this list.  
Eventually, time will tell, I just hope we don't go to vhs when beta 
was a much better technology.

Larry Blodgett