Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Should the Linux Desktop Be "Pure?"

Posted by kdawson on from the debatable-points dept.

jammag writes "According to Matt Hartley, many Linux desktop users don't like to admit that there's scads of closed source code commonly used with the Linux desktop. Hartley points to examples like proprietary drivers, the popularity of Skype among Linux users (in preference to the open source Ekiga), and the use of Wine. He concludes that, hey, if the code works, use it — a stance that won't sit well with purists. But his article raises the question: is it better to embrace some closed source fixes, and so create a larger user base, or to remain pure, and keep Linux for the specialists?"

10 of 665 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Why not both? by byolinux · · Score: -1, Troll

    To talk of the 'freedom' to install proprietary software is like talking about the 'freedom' to voluntarily enter into slavery. It is absurd.

    --
    Join the Free Software Foundation
  2. Just a spoon full of sugar... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    I've found my own Linux experience has gotten better after not worrying so much about which components are open or not.

    Oh, wait, I left Linux for OS X.

    Let's see:
    Open Source kernel? Check.
    Open Source command line utils? Check.
    Open Source X11 implementation? Check.

    I just had to add the closed source Cocoa (hey, FOSSers have their own one of those too, sort of) and I now can add lots more closed source apps.

    Hmm... There seems to be a correlation between productivity and my uptake of commercial software.

  3. Re:Why not both? by byolinux · · Score: 1, Troll

    Proprietary software is never the only/best choice.

    Only -- one can always refuse a piece of software. Simply say "No thanks".

    Best -- many pieces of proprietary software are technically superior to free software. If you value your freedom, you will say no to these too.

    --
    Join the Free Software Foundation
  4. Learn from other quests for purity by cryfreedomlove · · Score: 0, Troll

    History is full of people who passionately sought purity over co-existence and pragmatism. Here are a few:

    Adolph Hitler
    David Duke
    Emperor Hirohito
    Osama Bin Laden
    The Hutus
    Joseph Stalin
    Richard Stallman

    I'll go for peaceful co-existence any time. Live and let live, brother.

  5. Re:Free vs Open by byolinux · · Score: -1, Troll

    And to install proprietary software from whoever pays them enough money.

    --
    Join the Free Software Foundation
  6. Re:Why not both? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    WARNING -- byolinux is a twitter sockpuppet!

  7. fuck it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    it's just a piece shit. who cares what happens to it? i gave up on that festering mound of dung and it's hollow promises long ago.

  8. Re:Yes. by shmlco · · Score: 0, Troll

    "To say GNU has failed would be ridiculous."

    Let me know when it's market penetration reaches 1% of all desktops and servers and notebooks.

    --
    Any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so.
  9. Re:Why not both? by jez9999 · · Score: 0, Troll

    Sure it is. As long as that choice is the RIGHT choice. ;-)

    --
    == Jez ==
    Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.
  10. Linux should be pure... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    so it can extricate humanity from greediness.