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The Question Of Too Many Linux Distributions
evenprime writes "In this zdnet column, Evan Leibovitch responds to linux critics who say that Caldera and Red Hat will be the only distributions to survive. Evan points out that the diversity of available distributions, and the ability to roll your own, is a great strength." The arguement Evan makes is one that, IMHO, is correct - and people need to remember that the diversity of the distributions isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sure, maybe the commericial variants will move down to a couple, but I think for the overall community, diversity is a strength.
Susie the secretary will not understand *Nix vs. point and click.
Unless Susie the secretary installs a distro from '96 then she will probably never have to use the command line. Do you need to know how the Windows kernel works to use Word 2000. Also if Susie has problems with her machine she calls tech support who logon remotely and fix it for her.
As for 'which one is better', I suppose having several choices of server company is also a bad thing. How are you supposed to know who's the best.
How about anti-virus software, groupware, fault-logging software? Is the plethora of choices also a bad thing.
I'm so tired of bullshit arguments like this. Linux is no harder to use than Windows. I have to help my family out on a regular basis because Windows plays up on them, and unlike Linux there is no way for me to find out why.
If Windows is easy to use then obviously no tech support is required as well.
Linux nowadays needs as much command line intervention as Windows does, which is to say occasionally, usually when network information is required.
If you can name me a situation when command line is the only option I'll be impressed.
Diversity good. If mutations weren't everywhere, not as many things could survive a changing environment. If Critter A makes millions of subtly different copies of itself, while every instance of Critter B is identical, and a large disaster comes along that only rare mutations of Critters can survive, Critter A will be the only one to carry on its genes. Critter B, due to it's lack of mutations, would not live to see another day.
Tell me what makes you so afraid
Of all those people you say you hate