Why Aren't More Distros Becoming LSB Certified?

mydoghasworms asks: "I have done much thinking lately about Linux Standards Base. The idea makes lots of sense: Adopt a standard which will ensure that if some piece of software is compiled on one LSB-compliant system, it will run on any other LSB-compliant system. This would be great for members of the general public who are looking for an alternative to Windows, don't want to pay for Mac, but are looking for a platform where installing and running software is as easy as on the platform they are used to. Seen in that light, if LSB lives up to its promise, it could be the step in Linux's evolution that could see it adopted by the general public. That leaves the question: Why is LSB not seeing greater adoption?" "Is it because it is not marketed well enough? Is the certification process too difficult? Are there perhaps technical challenges to LSB certification not often discussed? If people agree that LSB is in fact what Linux needs right now to ensure widespread adoption, what should be done to create awareness of LSB? Should communities developing Open Source/Free Software projects be encouraged to provide LSB binaries? Your input would be most welcome here."

Comments

Freedom

[n1ywb]

One word: Freedom. Linux is free, as in speach. The LSB restricts that freedom. It also has some negative aspects, like an RPM requirement. Basicly LSB sucks.

Re:Linux needs a standard container

[nietsch]

Wath do you expect with 'Linux from Scratch?'

Use aproper distro with a big properly maintained repository.

Re:Why is the poster anti Mac?

[koreaman]

You just got added to my friends list.

Re:LSB isn't the answer

[aristotle-dude]

Ok smart ass, what is the answer then?

Are you sure that you are a distro maintainer? Please tell us which one it is so we can avoid it.

I don't think you understand what the main problem with the linux desktop is. Freedesktop will not fix the problem. The issue is commercial "closed source" software availability. Open source software is nice and all but it is severely lacking in usability and UI design. Developer do not usually make good UI designers.

LSB would provide binary compatibility for desktop apps which closed source developers could package and release on CD's for profit.

Linux will not succeed on the desktop as long as the distros effectively shut out closed source developers. A platform must have diversity in order to be successful. You should support both open and closed source developers.