If a distro has more than 0 users than its existence serves a purpose.
I also think that the multitude of distros will encourage open standards and common technology (like an universal installer). Also it allows for testing different paths and ideas that if successful can be implemented in the rest of the distros.
As for newbies having problems to choose: download any distro in the top 10 at distrowatch and give it a spin.
I would be convinced by your argument if you could show me ONE Linux virus that's active and spreads out (not the lab ones and not the ones for which that holes were fixed 3 years ago).
Linux may not have as many worms/viruses, but that's only because it is not a target (not because it's more secure). Which ever operating system is the most popular will have the most people trying to attack it.
I'm getting tired hearing this false argument over and over. To run something in Linux that can potentially damage the system you need to log in as root. To run a virus you need to submit root password which is pretty different from what happens in Windows (by the way can you run Windows as restricted user? Many programs just refuse to work, I think that restricted user account is useless, most of the people I know run Windows as Administrator, only that and makes a big difference.)
Remember also that Linux has a big share on servers, and still there are not as many worms like Red Code and alike that bug Windows.
I still have to see ONE virus that successfully replicates in Linux environment. ALL the viruses that exist are lab viruses and they exploit holes that were patched long time ago. Or the type of viruses/worms that come in e-mail and say "please install me" but that doesn't count.
"it's a million years behind Windows in usability"
Really? please call me back when you'll be able to upgrade all the Windows programs with an apt-get upgrade type of command. It is really a pain to keep Windows program up to date.
I browse slashdot at 4+ and I'm pretty happy with the job moderators do for me. I still see sarcasm in too many of the posts and frankly I'd like them modded down. I think we need a separate qualifier for posts (-1 Sarcastic). Of course people who love it they could set the modifier to see only sarcastic posts. That would be fun!
any rate, if you're looking for someone to blame, I'd look elsewhere for now. Another poster mentioned Washington, D. C.
And whose "fault" is for the good things here in America?
I know, I know the good things are because of the working people of America and bad things are due to the greedy corrupt beurocrats in Washington. At any rate the good working people ellected the greedy corrupt beurocrats...
I have no idea how this works, somehow I didn't imagine a whole division being replaced at once. My guess was that people that done their service would go and other people will replace them. Maybe things are not as simple. However I heard cases in which solders sue he Department of Deffence because they were kept in Irak more than they should have been.
There is still an excess of reservists and guard units which have not been called up. (I know this because I know a lot of them which have not been called up or have been rotated home from duty).
So why the "stop loss" policy, why do they still keep solders in Irak even though they served what the term they signed for? It makes no sense.
1. Post crap that pisses slashdoters off. 2. Slashdoters rush to the website. 3.... 4. Profit!
And some explanation: 1 - it's called "creating buzz" 2 - it's normal behavior of homo sapiens (actually homo stupidus slashdotiens) 3 - ads serving? 4 - the main objective for many people.
The thing with Windows is that if Microsoft decides not to provide patches you are totaly out of luck. With Linux you can always install the latest kernel probably without problems.
1. the only device I trust is "me" and that only when I'm not drinking...
2. is it realistically to act like that? Maybe we should all carry a USB flash drive that boots Linux and than we'll use our own OS (of course the spyrdware problem still remains)
Sad, but Linux just like video games is fast losing its "nerdy" qualities.
Next thing is getting a girlfriend and than it's all lost... Linux will end up bald and with a beer belly.
Slashdot Mirror
If a distro has more than 0 users than its existence serves a purpose.
I also think that the multitude of distros will encourage open standards and common technology (like an universal installer). Also it allows for testing different paths and ideas that if successful can be implemented in the rest of the distros.
As for newbies having problems to choose: download any distro in the top 10 at distrowatch and give it a spin.
I would be convinced by your argument if you could show me ONE Linux virus that's active and spreads out (not the lab ones and not the ones for which that holes were fixed 3 years ago).
Linux may not have as many worms/viruses, but that's only because it is not a target (not because it's more secure). Which ever operating system is the most popular will have the most people trying to attack it.
I'm getting tired hearing this false argument over and over. To run something in Linux that can potentially damage the system you need to log in as root. To run a virus you need to submit root password which is pretty different from what happens in Windows (by the way can you run Windows as restricted user? Many programs just refuse to work, I think that restricted user account is useless, most of the people I know run Windows as Administrator, only that and makes a big difference.)
Remember also that Linux has a big share on servers, and still there are not as many worms like Red Code and alike that bug Windows.
I still have to see ONE virus that successfully replicates in Linux environment. ALL the viruses that exist are lab viruses and they exploit holes that were patched long time ago. Or the type of viruses/worms that come in e-mail and say "please install me" but that doesn't count.
"advanced psychology-based FUD is a growing science."
I agree, we need a little bit of common sense though:
1. I never heard anybody switching from Linux to Windows to get more security. NOT ONE!
2. Many people that are switching from Windows to Linux are doing it for better security.
So, either ALL people are screwed up and don't know what's better for then or indeed Linux is more secure than Windows. You choose...
"it's a million years behind Windows in usability"
Really? please call me back when you'll be able to upgrade all the Windows programs with an apt-get upgrade type of command. It is really a pain to keep Windows program up to date.
Linux vs. Mac OSX
There is a saying: Intelligence quantity on Earth is constant while the population is growing constantly.
I browse slashdot at 4+ and I'm pretty happy with the job moderators do for me. I still see sarcasm in too many of the posts and frankly I'd like them modded down. I think we need a separate qualifier for posts (-1 Sarcastic). Of course people who love it they could set the modifier to see only sarcastic posts. That would be fun!
In the end the most barbaric will prevail -- so, Bill Gates will win!
any rate, if you're looking for someone to blame, I'd look elsewhere for now. Another poster mentioned Washington, D. C.
And whose "fault" is for the good things here in America?
I know, I know the good things are because of the working people of America and bad things are due to the greedy corrupt beurocrats in Washington. At any rate the good working people ellected the greedy corrupt beurocrats...
I have no idea how this works, somehow I didn't imagine a whole division being replaced at once. My guess was that people that done their service would go and other people will replace them. Maybe things are not as simple. However I heard cases in which solders sue he Department of Deffence because they were kept in Irak more than they should have been.
So, how are you Mr. Simpson, how's work at nucleap power plant?
There is still an excess of reservists and guard units which have not been called up. (I know this because I know a lot of them which have not been called up or have been rotated home from duty).
So why the "stop loss" policy, why do they still keep solders in Irak even though they served what the term they signed for? It makes no sense.
Mod me +1 Troll.. oh wait!
Now... if only they made a iTunes for Linux.
I'm not going to buy a Mac and not going to use Windows *yuck* in order to use it.
1. Post crap that pisses slashdoters off. ...
2. Slashdoters rush to the website.
3.
4. Profit!
And some explanation:
1 - it's called "creating buzz"
2 - it's normal behavior of homo sapiens (actually homo stupidus slashdotiens)
3 - ads serving?
4 - the main objective for many people.
I wonder how many security problems you had with Debian that you have to switch...
The probably should distribute Firefox with Firesomething extension enabled...
I wish I could mod you +10
exactly, that's like saying "the web is used to distribute malicious files" Duh!
Notice the use of words like "Enhanced, Improved, Greater
Does Microsoft collaborate with spam writers?
The thing with Windows is that if Microsoft decides not to provide patches you are totaly out of luck. With Linux you can always install the latest kernel probably without problems.
This reminds me of this joke:
Q: Is it true that in Sovie Russia every peasant will get a tractor from the State?
A: Yes, it's true, but it's not a tractor it's a bike and they don't give them, they take them away.
Same with Microsoft:
Q: Is is true that the Microsoft will give freedom and choice to users for free?
A: Yes it's true, but it's not for gratis and they don't give it, they take it away.
1. the only device I trust is "me" and that only when I'm not drinking...
2. is it realistically to act like that? Maybe we should all carry a USB flash drive that boots Linux and than we'll use our own OS (of course the spyrdware problem still remains)
Hope to see history repeating at a larger scale...
Sad, but Linux just like video games is fast losing its "nerdy" qualities. Next thing is getting a girlfriend and than it's all lost... Linux will end up bald and with a beer belly.