Operating Systems > Linux and UNIX
What needs to be done about Linux
insomnia:
quote:Originally posted by jimmy james:
uh... BeOS isn't a UNIX-derived system
--- End quote ---
Yes it is!
All lower levels are unix based.
They just made a mess of it.
[ November 20, 2003: Message edited by: insomnia ]
preacher:
quote:Originally posted by Linux User #5225982375:
Certainly a possibility, but I sincerely doubt the OS that defeats Windows won't be under the GPL. Why is that? Because open source, copylefted software is the only kind that is immune to Microsoft's monopolist tactics. Just look what happened to BeOS. Even if your OS was technically better, Microsoft is so entrenched and has so much money that you would quickly go bankrupt trying to compete with them. One business can't do this job - you need a social movement. And you need a license that will prevent them from taking your OS when it starts to become a serious competitor, improving it, and releasing it as their own as proprietary software. That's what infuriates Microsoft. They hate the GPL, and would destroy linux easily if it didn't exist. They *can't* use the source code in their non-free OS and there isn't a thing they can do about it (except pay SCO to try to invalidate the GPL)
--- End quote ---
Linux User, I like you. You dont talk about linux like it is trash like so many others here.
1. A uniform, easy to use, package management system. Part of the problem with file dependencies has nothing to do with bad package management. The truth is that since almost all software on linux is free, the authors and packagers are often different people. This means problems with dependencies are likely to occur. If no one has noticed, there are almost no dependency problems on commercial linux software. Since I own quite a bit of commercial linux software, I can tell you, it works great, and features cool things like graphical installers. You cant tell me no one has had dependency problems in Windows. I remember back in the day trying to install a game in windows and it not working because I had the wrong version of directX.
2. DVD. This is essential. Linux prides itself on being a viable alternative, however, if it cant "legally" do this, it will never be able to compete. For this certain feature we need a big name linux company such as SuSE. This company buys all the DVD license crap, and builds a closed source proprietary DVD/Media player that is bundled with their United States version of the OS. Of course it would be full featured. They then pack it with their higher cost SuSE software bundle. This will help get linux dvd started.
[ November 20, 2003: Message edited by: ThePreacher ]
flap:
quote:This company buys all the DVD license crap, and builds a closed source proprietary DVD/Media player that is bundled with their United States version of the OS. Of course it would be full featured. They then pack it with their higher cost SuSE software bundle. This will help get linux dvd started.
--- End quote ---
That's about the worst thing that could happen. More non-free software on GNU/Linux, and its users have to start bowing down before the DMCA. People should continue to resist it by using DeCSS, whether it's legal or not.
preacher:
quote:Originally posted by flap:
That's about the worst thing that could happen. More non-free software on GNU/Linux, and its users have to start bowing down before the DMCA. People should continue to resist it by using DeCSS, whether it's legal or not.
--- End quote ---
First thing you need to know is that in order to make it so an OS can play DVD's legally, they must buy a license. This is not a cheap license, and the cost is absorbed by the end user of the product. You wonder why windows XP and Mac OS X cost money, this is part of the reason. Its funny how Windows and Mac users never complain about having to purchase software, but some linux users are so fucking lazy and cheap, that they dont want to spend a dime for things they want. You wonder why no one takes linux seriously. Im not for breaking the law, and neither are the linux companies or they would just include DeCSS on the install disc. My idea is not impractical, in fact it is logical. You say we shouldnt bow down to the DMCA, but if we dont linux will never be able to compete. We need a legal implementation of a linux dvd player.
flap:
I'm not talking about not being willing to 'pay' for software. If you don't understand what Free Software is or why it's important that Free software remains Free (as in freedom) I suggest you read the link in my sig. If GNU/Linux can never compete as a result of this (actually I don't think the DVD issue is in the least bit important to the system's adoption) then so be it. To compromise the integrity of the system by tainting it with proprietary software is not a desirable option. We can already watch DVD's on our Free operating system, end of story. Nothing needs to change there, except the law.
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