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A GNU/Linux Distro Needing Windows To Install?
dgun writes "I recently put together a new PC. When I purchased the motherboard, I noticed that it came with an instant-on OS, a small GNU/Linux distro called Splashtop. I assumed that the OS was on a ROM chip on the motherboard. To my great annoyance, when I tried to boot to this OS, a message said that it was not installed. It turns out that motherboard comes with an install disk for this GNU/Linux OS — that you can only run from Windows, to install Splashtop on the hard drive. First of all, doesn't installing it on the hard drive defeat the point of having an instant-on OS? If I wanted to dual-boot a small GNU/Linux OS, there are plenty that I could choose from. Second, if distributing GPL'ed software by means that completely preclude it from being used without Windows is not a violation of the GPL, should it not be?"
Why are you talking about that? This story has nothing to do with flashing the BIOS. This is about installing an OS to the hard drive.
Do you have any idea what the original post was about? The Linux they're talking about boots from a ROM, not the hard disk. If you weren't so busy attempting to disarm my points without adhering to any sort of concrete or relevant information, maybe you could have found time to read that.
This is a totally meaningless statement.
You're not very "technical," are you? It's a lot easier for Windows to talk to ACPI, PCI, or BIOS, because Microsoft maintains the specifications and designs their system internals accordingly. Linux on a PC is the same as on any other platform, it's UNIX. It's not meant to act that way. That gives Windows an advantage for talking to the BIOS in general--it's a PC system by design. That's not saying Linux CAN'T, just that it generally doesn't because it's platform-independent by design.
(A bunch of whiny debate team lingo about my statements)
This is the internet, you prissy bitch. Stay on the goddamn subject.
Yeah, let's all judge operating systems by the stereotypes about their users... BTW, any fervently irrational UNIX/Linux geeks you've talked to were probably just getting defensive in response to your fervently irrational attacks on Linux. They're mirroring you, and whatever insanity you throw at them. Except they are most likely reasonable later, when they're actually dealing with another reasonable person.
I can't believe you have the gall to attack my post from a logical standpoint. This whole paragraph describes an imaginary conflict and resolution.
And do you think none of those new Mac users are intentionally avoiding Windows? Or is avoiding Windows only okay when the alternative has your approval? Most new Mac users are leaving Windows because they're dissatisfied with it. If they were happy with Windows, they wouldn't have switched. Another thing that helps Mac OS X adoption is that it comes preinstalled on a popular line of computers. Put a Linux machine on store shelves and people will buy that too.
Mac users are switching because it offers a better user experience. Desktop linux was sold in stores and on new computers for years (notably by Walmart) and has consistently failed in the market. Dell attempted to sell Ubuntu on PC's and that failed in the market. I suggest you look at the sales figures on linux vs. windows netbooks. Desktop linux was rejected by the market in lieu of Windows, even on netbooks where it was supposed to get a foothold. Google Chrome OS is currently the only hope the linux kernel has of running on mass-market consumer machines.
Wow, now you are arguing in favor of archaic designs. Well-written DHTML is often a much better user experience than the classic full-document reload on every click of the 90's. I don't even get what you're trying to say about Google...
I am merely saying that they've lost sight of the distinction between document and application. Information is served best through more simplistic formats, like Wikipedia. You like linking to Wikipedia, right? It makes you feel sooo smart.
Despite what your preconceived notions may tell you, I do understand what computing is, and I assure you, desktops and laptops as we know them today are not going away any time soon. People will still have to write stuff in ten years, and you know what they're going to want for that? A full-sized keyboard.
Do you really think you need a tower to offer a keyboard... What are you, 12? You don't think they could make a workstation that docks with a mobile? Hardware is way too large and power consuming right now.