Consolidation of Linux resources would really be for the benefit of the masses not using or resistant to Linux. The majority of basic desktop users cannot fully optimize the distro diversity, understand or really care about the design differences. Why not have a consolidated distro to serve that market? The current tailored distros are more for users like you, IT or power users, etc.
As long as Windows rules the desktop more hardware will be designed and supported for it first. As long as Windows rules the desktop, hardware manufacturers will be influenced by Microsoft's market position and direction. Why not have such power and influence "open". Linux should get greater use by serving the needs of the masses.
The article didn't say the other distros had to disappear. For Linux to succeed at the desktop, some form of compromise must be made for one standard predictable build to move more windows users to Linux.
"However, we'll hazard a few general observations about the Desktop Linux market (or, at the very least, DesktopLinux.com readers):"
In best case scenario this survey is representative of DesktopLinux.com readers and in my opinion it does not accurately represent a true random sample of the desktop Linux market, just the site's readership.
Regardless, the survey of DesktopLinux.com readers was interesting, but I wouldn't take much meaning from the data in terms of "the desktop market".
Longhorn Starter Edition
Longhorn Home Edition
Longhorn Media Center Edition
Longhorn Professional Edition
Longhorn Small Business Edition
Longhorn Mobility/Tablet PC Edition
Longhorn Premium Edition
As the author indicated, there are too many SKU's. Each version will likely have a marginal improvement or lack one key component that will make the user wish he had chosen a different Longhorn version.
I am interested to find out what features Microsoft plans to remove from Longhorn Professional to justify the upgrade and higher price of Longhorn Small Business Edition.
Given that Windows is a mature product that has not seen innovation for some time, $45 would be fair if it trickled down to retail price.
Microsoft's retail pricing is unreasonable. In Canada, a retail full install copy of XP Pro at Staples or Business Depot is almost $499.00, while the retail upgrade is $299. An OEM version of XP Pro at typical independant parts shops range around $229-279.
Any other company would have withered away by now, but that monopoly power keeps that loan-shark pricing justified.
I believe a consultant should offer opinion even if it conflicts with client directives. A consultant has much experience in his field and can better assess any situation he was hired for than the client. It is the responsibility of the consultant to keep the client informed of issues that can adversely affect their project at hand. Ultimately the client decides what is the "correct" path for their organization - nothing personal.
Life is not full of good news and accolades. A consultants job is to voice concerns related to their profession. At times, clients will not follow advise even if you attempt to derail their counterproductive train of thought - their choice, you performed your task responsibly and in the client's full interest. Not voicing concerns to the client is not only irresponsible, it is literally sleeping on the job.
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Using your analogy, both Sony and Matsushita are like Volkswagons.
Both make good products but neither produces a product that excels in performance or function in any way. Once any are off warranty...ugh!
...Except in Nebraska.
Consolidation of Linux resources would really be for the benefit of the masses not using or resistant to Linux. The majority of basic desktop users cannot fully optimize the distro diversity, understand or really care about the design differences. Why not have a consolidated distro to serve that market? The current tailored distros are more for users like you, IT or power users, etc.
As long as Windows rules the desktop more hardware will be designed and supported for it first. As long as Windows rules the desktop, hardware manufacturers will be influenced by Microsoft's market position and direction. Why not have such power and influence "open". Linux should get greater use by serving the needs of the masses.
The article didn't say the other distros had to disappear. For Linux to succeed at the desktop, some form of compromise must be made for one standard predictable build to move more windows users to Linux.
If you're going to build speakers, might as well build your own DIY cat5 speaker cables...
http://www.venhaus1.com/diycatfivecables.html
"However, we'll hazard a few general observations about the Desktop Linux market (or, at the very least, DesktopLinux.com readers):"
In best case scenario this survey is representative of DesktopLinux.com readers and in my opinion it does not accurately represent a true random sample of the desktop Linux market, just the site's readership.
Regardless, the survey of DesktopLinux.com readers was interesting, but I wouldn't take much meaning from the data in terms of "the desktop market".
Longhorn Starter Edition Longhorn Home Edition Longhorn Media Center Edition Longhorn Professional Edition Longhorn Small Business Edition Longhorn Mobility/Tablet PC Edition Longhorn Premium Edition As the author indicated, there are too many SKU's. Each version will likely have a marginal improvement or lack one key component that will make the user wish he had chosen a different Longhorn version. I am interested to find out what features Microsoft plans to remove from Longhorn Professional to justify the upgrade and higher price of Longhorn Small Business Edition.
Only if you REALLY have to go.
Toronto Star article here
Given that Windows is a mature product that has not seen innovation for some time, $45 would be fair if it trickled down to retail price.
Microsoft's retail pricing is unreasonable. In Canada, a retail full install copy of XP Pro at Staples or Business Depot is almost $499.00, while the retail upgrade is $299. An OEM version of XP Pro at typical independant parts shops range around $229-279.
Any other company would have withered away by now, but that monopoly power keeps that loan-shark pricing justified.
SCO is demanding $0.23 from everyone who has seen a penguin at the zoo.
"was given a severe administrative punishment"
Was he demoted down from "power user" to "user" on an NT network?
The computer is not the problem. You need to upgrade your fingers.
I believe a consultant should offer opinion even if it conflicts with client directives. A consultant has much experience in his field and can better assess any situation he was hired for than the client. It is the responsibility of the consultant to keep the client informed of issues that can adversely affect their project at hand. Ultimately the client decides what is the "correct" path for their organization - nothing personal.
Life is not full of good news and accolades. A consultants job is to voice concerns related to their profession. At times, clients will not follow advise even if you attempt to derail their counterproductive train of thought - their choice, you performed your task responsibly and in the client's full interest. Not voicing concerns to the client is not only irresponsible, it is literally sleeping on the job.
"so many alternatives" would cover most of the advanced user like all the people here at Slashot.
The average Joe cannot handle most of the *nix issues or know anybody who can. As far as the average PC user is concerned, there is no alternative.
This is Bill Murray's "Groundhog Day" of 3D visualizations