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Novell/Linux Parody on Apple's Mac vs PC Ads

Posted by Zonk on from the john-hodgeman-still-wins dept.

xtaski writes "Wired's 'Cult of Mac' blog offers up video of Novell's spin on the Apple Mac vs. PC ads. The twist: a young lady portraying that winsome third party, Linux. There are two ads available for perusal, and the second is definitely the better of the two."

9 of 324 comments (clear)

  1. How about a link to the downloadable videos? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Conveniently located on Novell.com instead of some crappy Flash video. Now available in MPEG and Ogg!

    1. Re:How about a link to the downloadable videos? by tbo · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I also like how it's pointing out that it doesn't matter what type of computer you have. You can run Linux now. I guess many people are used to the idea of having to buy a new computer to change operating system.

      It's understandable that anyone might prefer Linux to Windows. That said, many people are probably wondering, "If you have a Mac, why would you install Linux* on it?" This is a good question; pretty much any Linux program for which source is available can be recompiled for OS X. If it's command-line, no problem. If it's X11-based, just fire up Apple's free X11. The only snags are with binary-only software, but it's rare that you'd actually need to use a binary-only Linux app for which there's no Mac-native equivalent, and much more likely that you'd encounter the opposite situation.

      I've actually installed Linux on a Mac on multiple occasions (starting with kernel 2.2.x on an original iMac, which was about the first time it was really possible), so I will try to enumerate the reasons:

      0) Because you can.
      1) For fun--you enjoy tinkering with things.
      2) To learn about Linux.
      3) To develop Linux-specific software, such as Linux kernel drivers.
      4) Ideological reasons relating to Free Software--you refuse to run an OS where a portion of the code is non-Free (in which case you'd better be using Debian).
      5) Because you care about performance in a particular niche where Linux has substantial real-world performance benefits over OS X.
      6) You're so used to Linux's user interface that it would be too difficult for you to switch.
      7) You actually think Linux's user interface is nicer than OS X (since they both offer the same choice of shells, this comes down to GUI preference).

      I really can't think of any other reasons that make any sense--if you can, please reply and elaborate. Now, to the analysis.

      It's pretty clear that the reasons given above are valid only for computer geeks. Normal people don't care about (0 - 5), (6) is obviously not applicable, and I have yet to meet a reasonable person who claims (7) holds true for "average" users. There's nothing wrong with this--being better than Windows for a lower price is a big accomplishment--but why imply that Linux is something it's not?

      Linux is a great OS for many people whose alternative is Windows, and for geeks. It's not a good replacement for Mac OS X.

      As an alternative ad that plays on the same themes, have PC as a guy, and have him break up with his girlfriend Vista because she's too demanding. PC sees Mac OS X (woman), and tries to hit on her, but is shot down because he's "not her type" and she "doesn't think they'd be compatible". Linux walks in, and she and PC hit it off. This would communicate that you can use your existing PC hardware to run Linux but not Mac OS X.

      * I use Linux in the sense that everybody except Richard M Stallman uses--I mean the entire OS, in a generic sense that does not specify a particular distribution, rather than just the kernel.

  2. Nice! by Carthag · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hate that I can't use any X11 apps or any posix apps on my mac. It's seriously annoying when I go to type curl -f -O hwait... oh it works. Well how about etherea-oh that works too. Well ScummVM! no I guess that works too. Screw it, now all my anger over not having open source software on my mac is for moot. Dang it all to heck!

  3. You tried to parod a humorous commercial? by khasim · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You really need better writers. Just putting a cute woman on screen is not enough.

    Look at what each of the other commercials is about. Each has a point.

    Macs are easy to setup - PC's are not.
    Macs are secure - PC's keep asking you to confirm each action.

    Your point is ... Linux is a 3rd choice?

    Why not focus on something like ... no license requirements? PC and Mac both dig into their wallets ... Linux invites all her friends along.

  4. Not as good as... by computersareevil · · Score: 5, Informative

    Good, but not as good as the IBM commercial from years ago, IMHO.

  5. Option #2 - stripped down or bulked up. by khasim · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mac drives onscreen in some trendy car (bug, hybrid, whatever). Pop music.

    PC drives onscreen in a wood paneled station wagon with a bicycle the back and a pile of luggage strapped on top (with bits of shirt flapping in the breeze). Music plays, but cuts out and comes back in at the wrong speed.

    Linux drives onscreen in a jeep.

    Cut to Mac "Nice jeep".

    Cut back to Linux in a limo. "I liked it, but right now I want this."

    PC "How do you change so fast?"

    Cut to Linux on a racing cycle, "I have lots of configuration options."

    PC "I wish I did."

    Linux (now driving a semi) "One day you might."

    1. Re:Option #2 - stripped down or bulked up. by cgenman · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Mac and PC sit outside a doctor's office wearing white robes. Linux walks by, then turns around to look.

      Mac and PC shuffle uncomfortably and look away.

      "Hi mac, Hi PC."

      "Oh, hi Linux" they mumble.

      "What are you guys doing here?"

      "Oh, I, Errrr..." they mumble for a few seconds.

      "What's wrong?"

      "Look" says Windows "I've got 97,467 viruses."

      OSX and Linux both back away from Windows. "That's terrible" says Mac "How did that happen?"

      "Years of old code, the rush to the market, some fast programming, you know. Aren't you here for the same?"

      "Symantec said I should come get checked out. They think it's just a matter of time before I'm sick as a dog. Shouldn't you get tested too, Linux."

      Linux, now seriously creeped out and edging away. "I've got thousands of people around the world checking me out and making sure I'm well built and healthy. And I'm gonna stay that way. So if you don't mind, I'll see you later."

      They watch her go. Windows lifts his head to Mac "That could have gone better."

      "Shut up."

      --
      The ______ Agenda
  6. Oh dear GOLLY by malevolentjelly · · Score: 5, Funny

    That was painful to watch. Open source community, either have web talent do it, or get some money together if you want decent ads.

    That was awkward. Ouch.

    All they expressed is that Linux exists, and is 'cute'.

    Mac should have revealed GNU/BSD technologies at its core by lifting up his shirt and showing a mutated semi-open-source Kuato!!

    "KILL ME..."

    Mac: Not today! Not ever! Ha-ha!

  7. Read between the lines by Nymz · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's obvious that GNU/Linux is a woman.
    She's high maintenance, expects everything to be given to her for free, and no matter what goes wrong... it's your fault.


    It's funny, please don't mod me down, just be content that I'll be going straight to hell.