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Linux's Achilles Heel Apparently Revealed

Posted by simoniker on from the or-not dept.

ahab_2001 writes "In Information Week's latest 'Langa Letter', Fred Langa points to something that he calls Linux's 'Achilles' heel': 'New Linux distros still fail a task that Windows 95 -- yes, 95! -- easily handles, namely working with mainstream sound cards.' After lamenting his difficulties in getting a particular sound card to work with nine Linux distros, he concludes that his experience 'empirically shows that, despite its many good points, Linux still has some huge, gaping holes--holes that Windows plugged almost a decade ago.' (Oddball note: Information Week prefaced the e-mail alert pointing to this article by saying 'Occasionally, we have news or analysis of such importance that it warrants a special alert to you.' Hmm...)"

10 of 1,469 comments (clear)

  1. I reckon he tried 9 version of Mandrake by Timesprout · · Score: 4, Funny

    The ones that came configured with the sound volume set to 0 by default.

    --
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  2. Never had need for one... by Rorschach1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I did set one up once, but all I got out of that was knowing how some weird dude pronounces 'leenucks', whatever that is.

  3. Re:Win95 sucks at sound by RomSteady · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's as maybe, but if you are implying that sound functioning 50% of the time is somehow worse than sound functioning 0% of the time, then I fear I have wandered into either a Monty Python sketch, the Twilight Zone, or Slashdot.

    In any case, it can't be good for my sanity.

    --
    RomSteady - I came, I saw, I tested. GamerTag: RomSteady / http://www.romsteady.net
  4. Critical! by blunte · · Score: 5, Funny

    I know that where I work, having a sound card is critical to operation of the company.

    I cannot imagine how someone can function without hearing that Ding! each time a new email arrives. I'd be lost, ever wondering, "do I have another Symantec AV warning about an attempted incoming virus message?"

    Linux is doomed if it can't even Ding! when email arrives.

    --
    .sigs are for post^Hers.
  5. Holes that windows plugged a decade ago... by azav · · Score: 4, Funny

    And that Apple plugged in the 1980's

    Oh, wait. On the Mac sound is built in. You don't need a sound card.

    Well, geez.

    --
    - Zav - Imagine a Beowulf cluster of insensitive clods...
  6. Re:WARNING! by don_carnage · · Score: 5, Funny

    That's good -- put that on the box: "WARNING: Some sound cards suck and are not supported by Linux. Please select a sound card that doesn't suck before purchasing this distribution of Linux. Thank you."

    --
    Wooden armaments to battle your imaginary foes!
  7. A Second Linux downfall! by amichalo · · Score: 4, Funny

    I also recently discovered that RedHat 9 does not recognize the external 5.25" drive that my C64 so easily manages without a hitch.

    Do you think Linux will support my Adam tape drive? I better go check...

    --
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  8. They're Getting Desperate by Euphonious+Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    Used to be the pundits said Linux could never go mainstream because there were no office apps, or was too hard to install, or because you couldn't get phone support.

    Now it can't go mainstream because one pundit has trouble with one easily-replaced $10 sound card. Next, they'll say it can't go mainstream because the borders on the "Cancel" buttons are not quite the right shade, or because you can't install MS security patches.

  9. Re:WARNING! by lysander · · Score: 4, Funny
    Improper use will result in blindness, hysterical laughter and permanent insanity
    Isn't that the warning on Call of Cthulhu?
    --
    GET YOUR WEAPONS READY! --DR.LIGHT
  10. Re:Huh... by Rakarra · · Score: 4, Funny
    Uhm, where have you seen rational people saying linux is as good on the desktop?

    Here on Slashdot. Oh wait! I see your point now...