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Posted on 06/26/2006 7:08:07 AM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing
Normally, we expect new Linux desktop users to come from the ranks of disgruntled Windows users. After all, they're the ones who have to deal with high-prices and endless security problems. Now, it seems that some Mac gurus are also making the switch to Linux.
(Excerpt) Read more at desktoplinux.com ...
The article only mentions one "guru" - Mark Pilgrim - who is upset that Apple hasn't published the latest source code for the kernel.
If you want to spend time hacking the kernel, Linux is the way to go.
For computer users who aren't interesting in kernel hacking, Get a Mac.
From the latest Enterprise Mac column on InfoWorld:
http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisemac/archives/2006/06/showering_after.html
"I have too much actual work to do to find any pleasure in building a race car out of popsicle sticks. That's Linux."
Delirious.
Go out on the street and ask 100 people what Linux is. To be safe, ask 1000. Maybe then you will actually find someone who knows what it is.
I'm not knocking Linux but let's get real.
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Nope. I actually switched from Linux to Mac in 2001 and haven't looked back.
I still use Linux for my server machines, it's great for that.
Mac Gurus are geeks. Any Mac Guru worth their capital "G" would have explored Linux by now as a diversion and form of entertainment.
Linux is not a bad operating system. It is mostly just very unpolished, but not much worse than trying to use Windows. A lot of the same UI schemes are used in Linux, making it easier for Windows users to transition to Linux than for Mac users, and non-guru Mac users don't need Linux. The Unix underpinnings of Mac OS X are sufficient for most open source purposes.
He's more concerned about proprietary data formats, and he has a point. Apple is reasonably good about using open formats, but as the iTunes store shows they will go for lock-in when it suits their purposes.
iTunes support for the open audio formats is what matters. iTunes Music Store DRM is a business necessity, but iTunes doesn't lock out content from other sources that don't use DRM.
It's only a business necessity if you think your customers are thieves. See Baen's Free Library for an example of a company that doesn't, and is quite successful nonetheless.
Linux is only really polished as a server operating system, and there it is very slick and feature rich. Linux will never be anything but a bitplayer as a desktop OS, but I'm not sure why it needs to be a desktop OS.
building a race car out of popsicle sticks... ooh, cool idea... of course, the completed hack would burn down when the engine turned over...
They're totally different business models, and if I had to guess, I'd say the iTunes Music Store has been a tad more profitable. Oh, and by the way, you can download about a zillion free podcasts from iTunes, that include business, media, science and technology, comedy, and yes, free music.
I'm a big fan of Baen's library and webscriptions.
But the iTunes DRM is a business necessity because that's what the suppliers demand for the right to sell the music. Apple is a retailer of the music, not a producer, and thus Apple does not dictate the way it sells music, television shows, etc.
It isn't that hard to understand. The DRM is a business necessity. It is also obvious that it is a necessity imposed by the producers of the music.
Do I dislike the DRM? Sure, but honestly - it makes no difference to me. I don't share the music I buy with just anybody, and the terms of use are very simple and fair. Five machines, unlimited burns, unlimited plays, and I don't have to worry about my ownership of the tracks I buy expiring.
Besides, a fair enough DRM is not onerous. Thanks to the DRM and iTMS, I can buy the tracks I like for 99 cents. I don't have to pay $15-20 for an album at a music store just to get a single song. The DRM has saved me money, and iTMS has saved me time and gas.
I don't know what all the bitching about iTunes DRM is about anyhow. Between Audible and iTunes, I get a lot of use out of iTunes, and my iPod. Oh, yeah - that's right. Some people are upset because they have their own MP3 player but they want to buy cheaper music from iTMS and easily sync their third party MP3 player with iTunes. Not my problem. If people want to use iTunes or an iPod, but not together - tough. I want Microsoft Exchange Server to run a Macintosh, and the Exchange functionality enabled on all of Microsoft's applications for the Mac. Tough for me.
I agree that Linux is most at home and the most feature complete as a server operating system.
And it will never be a fully polished desktop OS. Linux is developed by a lot of hobbyists. This means that it will always embrace the envelope of computing technology before the mainstream. If rocketry was cheaper, and certain limits set by the government were removed - civilian rocketry in our country would stand the world on its head with some very cool applications.
Linux will always be cool, but it isn't likely it will ever sit still long enough to become a mainstream desktop OS. Of course, we may be surprised by the adoption of Linux by a well funded company intent on turning it into a mainstream OS, and if everything I've seen is an indicator - I think it would be very profitable for a company that can use Apple's model of hardware and software synergy to add value and appeal.
Stock price does not reflect product quality.
Get a load of what that guy is switching to: a Chicomm Lenovo special.
http://diveintomark.org/archives/2006/05/30/bye-apple
Thankfully he's taking a beating on his own site.
So what is driving the price?
I would presume RHAT's success in the server market, instead of the consumer market.
Also, the stock seems to have a general "hold" recommendation on it...
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