What Needs Fixing In Linux

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Posted by CmdrTaco on Monday December 1, 2008 @02:35AM from the or-what-needs-breaking-in-windows dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Infoweek's Fixing Linux: What's Broken And What To Do About It argues that the 17-year-old open-source operating system still has problems. Leading the list is author Serdar Yegulap's complaint that the kernel application binary interfaces are a moving target. He writes: 'The sheer breadth of kernel interfaces means it's entirely possible for something to break in a way that might not even show up in a fairly rigorous code review.' Also on his list of needed fixes are: a consistent configuration system, to enable distribution; native file versioning; audio APIs; and the integration of X11 with apps. Finally, he argues that Linux needs a committee to insure that all GUIs work consistently and integrate better on the back-end with the kernel."

23 of 865 comments (clear)

new mascot by Anonymous Coward · 2008-12-01 02:37 · Score: 5, Funny

I'm tired of that penguin
1. Re:new mascot by morgan_greywolf · 2008-12-01 03:15 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I propose a way to show that Linux is an OS for rebels. Maybe a little guy with horns and a pitchfork to show how we're a little bit evi....
  Oh, wait. Nevermind.
  
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  My blog
2. Re:new mascot by MikeDirnt69 · 2008-12-01 03:15 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  I vote for Chilly Willy
  
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  Am I eval()? - http://www.monst3r.com.br
One thing is for certain. by MaxwellEdison · 2008-12-01 02:38 · Score: 4, Funny

I am sure that only sane, rational, and courteous debate will follow. Finally an argument-free thread!

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1. Re:One thing is for certain. by armer · 2008-12-01 02:41 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I am sure that only sane, rational, and courteous debate will follow. Finally an argument-free thread!
  I disagree you insensitive clod!!!
2. Re:One thing is for certain. by Da+Fokka · 2008-12-01 02:45 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Sorry, this is abuse.
3. Re:One thing is for certain. by owlnation · 2008-12-01 03:07 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  No it isn't.
Problem #1 by Anonymous Coward · 2008-12-01 02:38 · Score: 2, Funny

the users
Please let us know when the author is done by ishmalius · 2008-12-01 02:41 · Score: 5, Funny

I am so happy that he has volunteered to do this. I was afraid that the article might be about wanting someone ELSE to do the work.
1. Re:Please let us know when the author is done by Windows_NT · 2008-12-01 03:33 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  until the cats start choosing to move in a direction to make open source stop sucking
  I believe the only way cat can move is from beginning of the file to the end ...
  
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  Go go Gadget Nailgun!
Re:Problems: by f1vlad · 2008-12-01 02:42 · Score: 3, Funny

But how would you avoid that? Set up some sort of world regulation on distros? Tax it? :) It's just a natural thing.

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OS by ohxten · 2008-12-01 02:48 · Score: 3, Funny

the 17-year-old open-source operating system

First person to make a fuss about this gets a prize!

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Re:Problems: by KutuluWare · 2008-12-01 03:20 · Score: 4, Funny

I agree. Clearly there are only two diametrically opposed options here. Either we immediately cease all development and enhancement of Linux and agree that the current kernel version is the absolute perfection of open source, or everyone formats their hard drives and installs Vista.
There couldn't possibly be a middle ground anywhere in there.
Myspace grandma? by js_sebastian · 2008-12-01 03:29 · Score: 2, Funny

I would agree with this. When talking to grandma about trying Linux since all she wants to do is check e-mail, look at pictures of the grand kids and keep her MySpace page updated(...)
Your grandma uses myspace? Oh my god... http://www.flickr.com/photos/driveafastercar/2110340303/sizes/o/
Re:*yawn* another tired argument by ciderVisor · 2008-12-01 03:31 · Score: 2, Funny

Christ, is there some kind of hidden /. rule that says we're not allowed to have any story about "fixing" Linux without people bringing up that same retarded false dichotomy?
Rule 34 - I get off on retarded false dichotomies, you insensitive clod !

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Squirrel!
Re:From my cold dead hands. by Sponge+Bath · 2008-12-01 03:51 · Score: 3, Funny

ANYONE that says GUI and kernel in the same
sentence should be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail.
Here is your ticket, all aboard!
Re:Problems: by msuarezalvarez · 2008-12-01 03:53 · Score: 2, Funny

Yes, because granma is not adopting Linux because she feels the LSB file structre layout is too rigid...
Re:The biggest problem is... by Anonymous Coward · 2008-12-01 04:28 · Score: 1, Funny

What is this "windows" thing that you speak of? It sounds nasty.
Comment removed by account_deleted · 2008-12-01 04:45 · Score: 5, Funny

Comment removed based on user account deletion
Re:some flaws this arguement by msuarezalvarez · 2008-12-01 05:14 · Score: 2, Funny

Go look at sendmail.m4...
Re:What linux ACTUALLY needs by gbjbaanb · 2008-12-01 05:16 · Score: 2, Funny

if that means that the driver disk you got with your all-in-one scanner-copier-coffee machine doesn't work after 2 years, so be it.
yeah, can we get back on-topic, we're discussing Linux here, not Windows. :)
Re:Problems: by MobileTatsu-NJG · 2008-12-01 05:24 · Score: 3, Funny

But don't take my choices away from me just because you want to have all of yours made for you.
Amusingly a lot of fun was had at Microsoft's expense for having multiple versions of Vista.

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"I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
Comment removed by account_deleted · 2008-12-01 08:59 · Score: 2, Funny

Comment removed based on user account deletion