The reason I ask is that their reason for blocking access is because that it clearly says that the site won't work unless you're using the LATEST version of Internet Explorer. If this is true, then they should ALSO be blocking IE 4.x
The reality is that Windows is the current market leader, nobody is disputing that. It does not mandate that Microsoft will always own the desktop however.
Even if the monopoly lawsuit succeds in splitting MSFT into an OS and Apps company (which is unlikely), there is no real commercial threat to Windows. And it is impossible for any company to pay enough developers to build any new threat. No VC will back a business plan set on taking out Windows. MSFT neutralized IBM by sidetracking them with OS/2, and MSFT has Apple by the jewels with Office and Explorer.
With that said, Linux desktop is not only the best alternative, it's the ONLY major force out there in today's market. and MSFT's own licensing issues are forcing people to check alternatives, and Linux is one HECK of an alternative.
I do marketing so I am 100% the case when it comes to "business-user/office productivity suite user". Viability of KDE as a desktop? The usuability is there. Adminstration does need to be addressed, but that's IT's responsibility anyways. I can see why some people would get stuck installing new applications, but IT should be pushing out supported applications anyways.
My job depends on producing documents that other people use, but I invisibly use my Linux laptop in a dept and a business environment dependent on Office. And in reality, I don't see ANY lack of functionality using StarOffice. In fact, I think that StarOffice's presentation package is easier to use that PowerPoint, with 2 caveats (1) you need TrueType fonts compatible with Windows and (2) the animation tools and autoshape tools don't work well.
Other than that, KDE+Kmail+StarOffice has everything you need for a viable business desktop, and I expect that trend to grow instead of shrink
Slashdot Mirror
On the serious side - you rock, thanks for the great interview. I feel like I learned a new dimension about you.
The reason I ask is that their reason for blocking access is because that it clearly says that the site won't work unless you're using the LATEST version of Internet Explorer. If this is true, then they should ALSO be blocking IE 4.x
Even if the monopoly lawsuit succeds in splitting MSFT into an OS and Apps company (which is unlikely), there is no real commercial threat to Windows. And it is impossible for any company to pay enough developers to build any new threat. No VC will back a business plan set on taking out Windows. MSFT neutralized IBM by sidetracking them with OS/2, and MSFT has Apple by the jewels with Office and Explorer.
With that said, Linux desktop is not only the best alternative, it's the ONLY major force out there in today's market. and MSFT's own licensing issues are forcing people to check alternatives, and Linux is one HECK of an alternative.
I do marketing so I am 100% the case when it comes to "business-user/office productivity suite user". Viability of KDE as a desktop? The usuability is there. Adminstration does need to be addressed, but that's IT's responsibility anyways. I can see why some people would get stuck installing new applications, but IT should be pushing out supported applications anyways.
My job depends on producing documents that other people use, but I invisibly use my Linux laptop in a dept and a business environment dependent on Office. And in reality, I don't see ANY lack of functionality using StarOffice. In fact, I think that StarOffice's presentation package is easier to use that PowerPoint, with 2 caveats (1) you need TrueType fonts compatible with Windows and (2) the animation tools and autoshape tools don't work well.
Other than that, KDE+Kmail+StarOffice has everything you need for a viable business desktop, and I expect that trend to grow instead of shrink