Heheh:) Yeah, you've got valid points. It's a generic argument, when you boil it down it just becomes a matter of personal taste. And you can't force that on people.
My original point was that in my opinion (oh, what a powerful way to render an argument pointless), the personal tastes of the average computer user would not seem to indicate that Linux is on target for #2 on the desktop.
Anyway - yeah, I've seen some spectacular screenshots of KDE and stuff lately. Of course, my particular monitor/video card ensemble might not be fully condusive to running XWindows on my desktop. Last time I did it (RedHat 6.2), I had to hand-code modelines. I swore I would _never_ do that again.
Once I got it working, I detested all the ugly default widgets and stuff. I was using GNome/Enlightenment. Once I enabled GNome's "Marble 3D" look, I was moderately OK with it.
Then BeOS came along. I didn't like Red Hat after that.:)
I've taken a look at those projects, and they do look interesting - if a bit ugly, still. That can always be fixed later, though:) My gripe with X-Windows is just my own personal crusade against XWindows - it does, incredibly enough, have some uses. Particularly in the networking aspects. But those are of little benefit on a desktop, right?
To me, "desktop" signifies a tightly-integrated set of design concepts, executed in mostly-stable code, creating a fully-graphical computing experience that enhances your work. I've only ever seen one OS pull that off - BeOS. Windows XP comes close, but on Slashdot that might not be a valid opinion:)
And I've used it extensively. If I can't understand it well, how are endusers expected to "get it"? Imagine trying to provide support for them if something borks tbe Linux install? The majority don't even know how to send email in Outlook Express.
If you want Linux on a desktop, why do you need a GUI? Linux is not a GUI. XWindows/X11R6/XFree86, that is the graphical shell system for Linux, and it blows goats.
My stance is that until Linux has a decent GUI, it won't be a decent contender for Number 2 or Number 1.
Alright then. I find that all of the standard elements of a linux install (refering to Debian Woody here right now) collaborate to provide an ugly, uninteresting, and unproductive working environment.
The only thing I can stand about Linux's GUI interface is Mozilla. And I can run that on Windows. Everything else - widgets and window managers combined - they just don't blow my skirt up.
For the record, my server runs FreeBSD. I considered Linux, but the variety of non-standard places to look for configuration files baffled me into choosing differently. I've got a handle on it now, but... from my experiences with RedHat and Debian and FreeBSD, I prefer FreeBSD more.
As long as people consider XWindows (XFree86) to be a viable desktop interface, I think Linux will stand no chance of dethroning Windows or even OS X.
I think #2 is a pipe dream, in short. Number 3 could be attainable. As an OS, Linux is fine. I'd use it on a server. I just happen to prefer Windows XP on my desktop.
I think they explained this by having some sort of "north" and "south" Klingons. The North klingons were the old ones, the ones who were more intelligent, who created most of the technological inroads. The Southern klingons were gun-crazed rednecks who slaughtered the Northies and took over the empire. And that's why the Klingon empire is now doomed to fade into the background of the Trek universe. Right?:) Maybe I have it backwards.
I _so_ wanted "Enterprise" to be based on the U.S.S. Relativity. Alas, they went with the Archer storyline. Ah well, at least they had the decency to cast a former tv time traveler.:)
OK, time for my "intelligent" take on the article. I think it's interesting that countries are actively trying to circumvent the US "supercomputer export restrictions". Even better that they're doing it for such a low price tag (compared to US supercomputers, G4 series excluded).
Too bad I can't afford one... not that I really need one. What would I use it for? Statistical analysis of my shopping list, and automobile gas usage forecasts?
A better example is X-Windows...:)
(Disclaimer: I make this post primarily because I absolutely detest X-Windows/Xfree86/X11R6 from an end-user standpoint. People who think they can use it to make UNIX a desktop OS are _insane_, in my opinion.)
In a bathroom, George Clooney would have several reasons to take his clothes off.
This would at least have captivated 50% of the potential audience.
That said, I haven't seen the movie, nor do I plan to.:)
I've heard that Beryllium is commonly used in nuclear facilities to protect against neutron emissions. Since the article suggests that the Neutron emissions are the cause of the radiation (supposedly), perhaps a layer of Beryllium shielding would be called for?
Heh, true, but it's an on-topic advertisement, you've gotta admit that.:) I mean, not only is it for file-sharing software, but it's opensource and works under Linux. Does it get any more on-topic than that, for Slashdot?
Oh, wait, I forgot. Hot grits and Natalie Portman. Nevermind.:)
Slashdot Mirror
Heheh :) Yeah, you've got valid points. It's a generic argument, when you boil it down it just becomes a matter of personal taste. And you can't force that on people.
My original point was that in my opinion (oh, what a powerful way to render an argument pointless), the personal tastes of the average computer user would not seem to indicate that Linux is on target for #2 on the desktop.
hahah, you're going to kick me ...
... I use a linksys router as my firewall. :)
:)
Anyway - yeah, I've seen some spectacular screenshots of KDE and stuff lately. Of course, my particular monitor/video card ensemble might not be fully condusive to running XWindows on my desktop. Last time I did it (RedHat 6.2), I had to hand-code modelines. I swore I would _never_ do that again.
Once I got it working, I detested all the ugly default widgets and stuff. I was using GNome/Enlightenment. Once I enabled GNome's "Marble 3D" look, I was moderately OK with it.
Then BeOS came along. I didn't like Red Hat after that.
I've taken a look at those projects, and they do look interesting - if a bit ugly, still. That can always be fixed later, though :) My gripe with X-Windows is just my own personal crusade against XWindows - it does, incredibly enough, have some uses. Particularly in the networking aspects. But those are of little benefit on a desktop, right?
:)
To me, "desktop" signifies a tightly-integrated set of design concepts, executed in mostly-stable code, creating a fully-graphical computing experience that enhances your work. I've only ever seen one OS pull that off - BeOS. Windows XP comes close, but on Slashdot that might not be a valid opinion
And I've used it extensively. If I can't understand it well, how are endusers expected to "get it"? Imagine trying to provide support for them if something borks tbe Linux install? The majority don't even know how to send email in Outlook Express.
If you want Linux on a desktop, why do you need a GUI? Linux is not a GUI. XWindows/X11R6/XFree86, that is the graphical shell system for Linux, and it blows goats.
My stance is that until Linux has a decent GUI, it won't be a decent contender for Number 2 or Number 1.
Alright then. I find that all of the standard elements of a linux install (refering to Debian Woody here right now) collaborate to provide an ugly, uninteresting, and unproductive working environment.
... from my experiences with RedHat and Debian and FreeBSD, I prefer FreeBSD more.
The only thing I can stand about Linux's GUI interface is Mozilla. And I can run that on Windows. Everything else - widgets and window managers combined - they just don't blow my skirt up.
For the record, my server runs FreeBSD. I considered Linux, but the variety of non-standard places to look for configuration files baffled me into choosing differently. I've got a handle on it now, but
As long as people consider XWindows (XFree86) to be a viable desktop interface, I think Linux will stand no chance of dethroning Windows or even OS X. I think #2 is a pipe dream, in short. Number 3 could be attainable. As an OS, Linux is fine. I'd use it on a server. I just happen to prefer Windows XP on my desktop.
Prezactly!
I think they explained this by having some sort of "north" and "south" Klingons. The North klingons were the old ones, the ones who were more intelligent, who created most of the technological inroads. The Southern klingons were gun-crazed rednecks who slaughtered the Northies and took over the empire. And that's why the Klingon empire is now doomed to fade into the background of the Trek universe. Right? :) Maybe I have it backwards.
I _so_ wanted "Enterprise" to be based on the U.S.S. Relativity. Alas, they went with the Archer storyline. Ah well, at least they had the decency to cast a former tv time traveler. :)
Hahah :) I always wanted one of those Canopus cards. Had to settle for a Creative Labs 3D Blaster Banshee.
Fondling Vera, no doubt. :P
OK, time for my "intelligent" take on the article. I think it's interesting that countries are actively trying to circumvent the US "supercomputer export restrictions". Even better that they're doing it for such a low price tag (compared to US supercomputers, G4 series excluded).
... not that I really need one. What would I use it for? Statistical analysis of my shopping list, and automobile gas usage forecasts?
Too bad I can't afford one
I am SO unfunny tonight, it's not even funny. I need some Way of the Stick action.
computer teraflops on YOU!
A better example is X-Windows ... :)
(Disclaimer: I make this post primarily because I absolutely detest X-Windows/Xfree86/X11R6 from an end-user standpoint. People who think they can use it to make UNIX a desktop OS are _insane_, in my opinion.)
Did you CLICK the link? heheh :)
(You should. You really should.)
Pfft! You're supposed to tell us about this BEFORE christmas!
In a bathroom, George Clooney would have several reasons to take his clothes off. This would at least have captivated 50% of the potential audience. That said, I haven't seen the movie, nor do I plan to. :)
Flesh Gordon.
- "What do you want, a president who looks good, or who will be adequate in office?"
* Glances at George W. Bush *Appearances seem to indicate that Americans want neither.
I've heard that Beryllium is commonly used in nuclear facilities to protect against neutron emissions. Since the article suggests that the Neutron emissions are the cause of the radiation (supposedly), perhaps a layer of Beryllium shielding would be called for?
Hey, it's on there - neato :)
:)
Way of the Exploding Stick - More fun that Mario Brothers
I remember seeing an ad for the mario brothers game. It was funny ... but sad. Oh so sad. :)
I dunno. Maybe you'll wish you had used a beowulf cluster of them?
Heh, true, but it's an on-topic advertisement, you've gotta admit that. :) I mean, not only is it for file-sharing software, but it's opensource and works under Linux. Does it get any more on-topic than that, for Slashdot?
:)
Oh, wait, I forgot. Hot grits and Natalie Portman. Nevermind.