If anything, I'd imagine that they are attempting to build a competency around OSS.
I would agree with that. I also think that for just a mere $3.4 million dollars, they are trying something similar to what Apple did here in the States. Initially, as the common wisdom goes, Apple donated to schools for education, yes, and also for namebrand recognition and indoctrination. Whereas the Apple plan fizzled over time due to inexpensive PC clones, I think this plan will have a greater chance of success in the OS wars. Originally, I assumed France should have just phased in Linux on all the computers instead of using a USB stick as the medium. However, not only does the child get to use the OS at school, but home as well. Double bonus! And I would imagine it's far cheaper in school maintenance or having multiple OS computers too; economic and educational motives do justify the means here. Triple threat!
Just a bit of history for those who might be interested.
Adolphus Busch was a German. The town he visited in Czech is called Ceske Budejovice; which translates to "Budweis" in German. Czech monks had been brewing for centuries a recipe which was sold under that name in Germany for ages, dating back to the 13th century in some lore. Adolph's friend, Conrad (see page 2 of The King of Beer for what follows), visited that Czech town and later proclaimed that beer to be "the best beer I had ever tasted". Conrad purchased the recipe from the monks who brewed it, and later had the Busch brewery name it after that town.
Now, my understanding is that Anheuser-Busch (AB) trademarked that name around 1880 or so. The actual company Budvar, was not created until almost two decades later. Either way, AB beat Budvar to the punch on the trademark. However, the important point of minutiae here is that Budvar was formerly the Czech Share Brewery, founded in part by August Zatka in 1895 and some local brewers (who Town Hall had recognized as businesses for at least a century prior to this merger, whereas before they were just monks and locals). Now, how that specific recipe was acquired by Zatka and others in 1890 is unkown to me. From those same monks? Were those monk brewers the other part of that "startup" company in Budejovice at the time (along with Zatka)? Or, similarly to Adolph, was it just purchased from the monks? I don't know. Whatever the case, to consider AB "Budweiser" to be near the original recipe (such as Budvar) today, is unquestionable. There is no relation. Furthermore, would we refer to "Budweiser" as a Budweiser Budvar as we would (say) Jordache in place of a pair of Levis? And what about history in general?
AB actually was "first come first serve" and beat Budvar to that legal trademark. AB also has been "squatting" on the Budvar name for quite some time now. Personally, I give no formal recognition to either of AB's claims or holdings.
My understanding of the legal battles (and why Budvar has won most of them worldwide) is something called appellations of origins. Which means, agricultural products synonymous with their origins of local are protected in trademark; much like Florida oranges or (specifically) Emmantaler Cheese (which we commonly refer to as "Swiss" which hails from the valley of Emme). So, what we have here is something like this in the Apple case; Apple Corps (Apple Retail, Apple Records, et cetera) and Apple Inc (or just "Apple") just like Budweiser Budvar and "Budweiser". Although appellation of origins doesn't apply in the Apple case, the similarities between the two reminded me of this. Fortunately, Budvar has had regional successes in various countries who recognize precedence and history over financial influence or market establishment, imo. We can thank some European courts for that, but others haven't been so accountable.
Whatever the case, I claim on behalf of Budvar prior "art". For if you've ever home brewed yourself, you would know that it's not just a process, but a laborious creative masterpiece! But some batches do turn out like female skunk bait. And, yes, I bet you can guess which brewer I think is skunk bait.
Ever seen a chick flick before? It's something we must all endure from time to time as men. My secret? Just grab yourself some skoal and a courtesy cup at the popcorn shop. It really helps you focus on Julia Roberts features, while "pookems" sitting next to you is heavily engrossed in the dialog. Important Tip: read reviews on imdb or rottentomatoes beforehand. That way, like cliff notes, you can add some quick insight when "pookems" picks your brain about the movie later.
Michael Moore already has it in post production; to be released in Summer 2007. In one scene, Jack Valenti dressed in black overcoat and shades is seen purchasing Snakes on a Plane in Ontario.
So the piracy claims about canada are mostly fiction, how is this different than the opinion* most piracy claims made in north america?
Because most Americans haven't lived in China? I have, and you can pick up the latest DVD of any movie before it's even released in the theaters in America. And for 4 to 5 RMB (or about 50 cents), most are not even camcorder shots but exact rips. I don't know how they do it, but they do. And in China, they stand alongside their wooden carts on the street corner selling them. Ha! Beat that Canada!
This whole lawsuit reminds me of the battle between American Budweiser vs. the Czech brewer Budvar. Fortunately, and rightfully so, the European courts upheld precedent in trademark name on behalf of Budvar. I may be American, but I am a proud Czech first. Stick it to "the man". That's my motto, and I proudly raise my Budvar to it.
Note that probably the main reason why someone uses old hardware is not some emotional attachment, but simply the lack of money to buy a new one.
Maxwell, actually, this article was quite ironic. I did the exact same thing with nearly the exact same hardware only a few weeks ago. I basically cannot get rid of all this old hardware at my house (like most other people I know). I cannot really sell this on eBay since shipping is just too expensive to justify it. I streamlined my Xubuntu box pretty much the same way he did, in anticipation of selling it to someone. I am considering craigslist or donating the system to charity or giving it to one of my countless nephews or nieces instead. I have no emotional attachment to it, and in fact, despise seeing any of it.
Umm, did you read the part about "recompile the kernel with only drivers you need" ?
Not a suggestion for someone "unfamiliar" with linux, won't you agree ?
No, sir. Not really. For the past 15 years, I've seen gaps of understanding at all levels of experience left out by accident in linux documentation or howtos. Since this is ubuntu we are talking about here, there is a plethora of information already out there; from the ubuntu wiki to forums to others. From my experience, the very fact that you can tinker with the kernel says, "Here's a Chilton's carburetor manual. Go grab yourself a screwdriver. If you accidentally drop a jet down the intake manifold along the way, go find yourself a Chilton supplemental on removing manifolds." It's all out there. If you have an inkling or desire to tinker, then by all means, let linux be your playdoh.
Pain is universal too. And at my age, the ice breaker for me meeting new friends is, "So, who you seeing for your liver spots?". And, the article mentions the average age was 18 I believe.
I agree with your synopsis of the article, but I respectfully disagree with your conclusion. He did hit his target audience - the "unfamiliar with" linux. Most of us chip heads lose sight of the fact that we are not the most eloquent or observant when writing documentation. But like most of us linux lifers (getting feet wet in 92 or so), I would imagine the intent of those experienced users then, writing kernel compile "howtos" (and such) at the time, provided us that very same learning curve by accident and not design.
I'll take a stab at it, and you can beat me over the head for my calculations below. I can speak to the latter first. When idle (no packet transmission), for an Intel pro 1000, at 10Mbps it consumes about 3W and at 1000Mpbs about 7W. When on, it uses about 58W for 10Mbps and 61W for 1000Mbps. So, to answer your first part about time intervals, help me out here with my math:
for a 100 MB file (neglecting overhead and packet delay),
100MB x 8b/B = 800Mb
800Mb x s/10Mbp = 80 seconds 800Mb x s/1000Mb = 0.8 seconds
80s x 58J/s = 4640 J (10Mbps) .8s x 61J/s = 58 J (1000Mbps)
Interval from 0 to 80 seconds (10Mbps with no idle time and 1000Mbps with 79.2s idle). The 1000Mbps card consumes 7W at idle:
Something doesn't seem right here. Even at lower 1MB file transfers, the ratio would stay the same. Either way, it would seem to imply 1000Mbps would still be far more energy efficient. I must be missing something rather obvious in my calculations. If not, I can only assume that either: 1) My energy consumption data pulled off the net are wrong for the Intel Pro 1000, or 2) The majority of energy consumption is spent during long periods of idle time.
If 2, then at long periods (say 1 hour = 3600 s), then the 4W difference between 10Mbps and 1000Mbps at long idle might be the energy problem:
1000Mbps uses 4W more power than 10Mbps at idle (from initial data), so
3600s - 80s = 3520s remaining interval for W|J calculation, and 3520s x 4J/s = 14080J more energy required for 1000Mbs
So, 14080J is what a 1000Mbps negotiation full time would require over a 10Mbps for the remaining idle time over that one hour period.
Even the (4640 - 612) = 4028J you save while transferring at 1000Mbps over 10Mbps in just 80 seconds, you actually require (14080 - 4028) = 10052 more Joules over a one hour period using a NIC negotiating at 1000Mbps all the time. What would be the break even (BE) point between the two?
4028J / (BE) = 4J/s BE = (4028 / 4)s = 1007 s =~ 16.8 minutes
So, for ~17 minutes of idle time or less, the 1000Mbps is more energy efficient for this theoretical scenario. For longer periods of inactivity, the 10Mbps wins. In real life NIC usage though, I really don't know how realistic this casual observation means (or if it's even correct). And, btw, my head just exploded.
I agree. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of how your turbo charger works in a vehicle. There is that slight delay before it kicks in, but not very perceptible overall.
"One challenge is finding a way to make a PC or laptop network interface card (NIC) change gears more quickly -- "a couple orders of magnitude faster than auto-negotiation, to make the switch as seamless as possible," Bennett says. "Auto-negotiation runs at about 1.4 seconds and we're talking about -- just to start the discussion -- a millisecond of switching time."
So, why not just set NIC(s) to negotiate at the lowest speed first? Then throttle up gradually based on end to end transmission intervals. They talked about using buffers and NIC electrical consumption to handle the negotiation. I say, just start at 10mbps and negotiate up to Gig speed gradually, and make the firmware drivers allow one to turn that feature off/on and back to our current default. My simpleton mind must be overlooking something.
Also, I believe there are no current contracts with labor unions and Dell currently. Sounds to me like just another attempt by the benefactors of labor unions to pressure Dell into make that concession.
Who's filing the suit? Only two. A bank established for labor unions and a company which handles pension funds. I can connect the italic dots (and this story); Dell's just in the middle of another labor union contract negotiation phase; lawsuits are not an uncommon tactic.
Probably the bonus picture calendar which comes bundled inside every Vista retail box, featuring Ballmer in the month of June dressed in a white wedding dress for losing his delivery date bet to Bill.
Google is so smart they can anticipate EVERY POSSIBLE use of their code? If they are, they should buy M$ and fix all the damn bugs and security vulnerabilities in their products.
What? And put Symantec, McAfee, and countless IT professionals out of business? How dare you!
Actually, if you read the autobiographical companion to Earth in the Balance, in the book of Disseminations 3:2-10, Al Gore recounts a preminition that consumed him shortly after Clinton passed him the reefer:
"And I looked [fffft! ffffft! d-d-damn thats good shit Bill], and behold a pale white engineer [fffFFFT! FFFFT!... aHUh! aHUH!]: and his name that sat on him was googoo, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto him over the fourth part of [FFFFT! FFFFFFT! FFFFFFT! AHUH! AHUH!] m-m-my creation, to kill with [ahuh! ahuh!] adverts, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of [ahuh!] capitalism."
You should go to the ibridgenetwork website and try a topic. I picked one at random, "virus". It took a while to retrieve the results, but I was quite impressed. It generated a whole slew of academic research relating to that general topic. My first impression was that it's the WebMD portal of patentable academic research. However, I think what the site needs to be truly effective is a deeper parse tree, containing more specific sub categories (branches) and relations amongst siblings. Currently, I believe there are only a handful of categories and about 30 sub categories (like "virus"). They really need to refine those sub categories even further, since clicking on "virus" gave me everything from Cancer epidemiology to Agricultural pesticides. Implementing a search hierarchy using a weighted graph instead would probably help facilitate those who visit their website. Otherwise, it doesn't even compare to a refined google search relating to a specific area of research.
I guess the Linux Zealots got moderator access now. They can't allow anything that says Linux is less then perfect to be Moderated as a 5.
Actually, I think those select moderators have it correct here. The thread starter's post is more of a condemnation than anything constructive, imho. The entire post is one big unfair generalization of the linux community at large, casting aspersions without much real insight if you ask me. I do believe he made one interesting point though...
Most companies are not willing to change everything all at once if they can't have a gradual migration then they wont go with that product set.
He makes a great point there. Unfortunately, I think the parent misses the point that OSS (by nature) is a gradual process (paradoxically in both perception and design), even moreso than most commercial release cycles. I've been using linux for almost 15 years now, and it's all one big evolutionary blur to me. The irony is that linux release cycles are so rapid, they almost vaporize before they materialize. Compare any combination of lib or software releases like 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3 against cycles like 95, 98, 2000, XP, Vista (and service packs). Back to his point, the gradual transition of linux release cycles is actually a perfect fit for the business model. The only real obstacle is the closed source incompatibility of interoperation between Linux and Windows. Remove that deterrent, and I believe most people's perceptions of Linux will change.
When some says "Linux would work for me/my company IF..." the development community really needs to sit up and pay attention if they want to continue to grow their userbase and be taken seriously.
Accountability. Accountability. Accountability. [ That's me impersonating Ballmer and throwing my office chair at the screen ]
Like in the corporate world, us developers are held accountable by our next paycheck. That's always been sorely lacking in OSS, but it's an inherent trait. I think you can see the effect of what accountability can bring to linux with Ubuntu. Just follow the money trail from the devs all the way on up to Mark.
Would you hire a roofing contractor who uses a rock to drive nails? Would you hire a roofing contractor and then insist that he use a rock instead of a nail gun? After all rocks are "ugly and ineffective" and only "brilliant and experienced" roofers use them.
Sure, why not. I've built multi million dollar custom homes in Maryland and Virginia (around D.C.). One time, I was dangling over a 3rd story deck and dropped my hammer. I finished off a few nails with my hand in shoe while my hammer was being toted back up to me. The owner, observing below, bellowed out a hearty laugh and haller'd back up to me in admiration, "@#$ damn! You boys work fast!" As I coated his 2nd floor below with a nice smooth gloss of chewing tobacco spit, I yelled back, "Yes sir! I can use my head if you want!" He just dropped his head back down into the blueprints he was holding and kept laughing for another good twenty seconds or so. Shoot, I've seen greenies on the job take 5 or 6 taps before just to drive home a 12 penny nail, while I can pop that bitch straight with one good smack from my 16 ounce'r. A Rock? A hammer? Whatever it takes. In case you or others missed the point, use whatever tool you need with any tool within reach.
People accept "ugly and ineffective" with computers and that's a shame.
How so? How do you explain the clone computer frenzy which set the wheels of the "computer revolution" in motion back in the 80s? Or E-machines? And would you apply that same principle to the $100 "crank a chip" green machines soon to be deployed in parts of the sub sahara? I understand the point you're tryiing to make here, but quite simply, you neglect simple economics from this equation; not to mention most people cover their computers with coffee cups and stacks of documents anyways. Ultimately, who cares about aesthetics? The grandparent is quite correct in his synopsis, especially in his appreciation of muscle cars. Well said, sir. Well said. And, yes, like the grandparent, these Apple commercials today make me feel like Eddie Murphy in Trading Places, "When I was growing up, if we wanted a Jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub". I just don't get it. And quite frankly, I don't mind wallowing in my own flith so long as I see the bubbles. Know what I mean? Them Apple fellers still seem like they're living on the other side of the tracks to me. Anyways, it looks to me like Apple has long since been searching for an identity since day one; day one being the [in]famous 1984 Super Bowl commercial, and has been progressively changing ever since to find it's market niche. Your guess is as good as mine what that niche is.
Apple is doing what they have to. Reminding people that computers don't have to be "ugly and ineffective."
Maybe that's the problem with Apple's marketing. May I?
"Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me."
Sure, I opted for the Tommy Boy "discount" special instead. My rig ain't no Apple, but hey, I saved a buttload and all my parts are guaranteed for three years anyways.
We tell those people to stay the hell off our lawns. Damn kids these days...
I pull my pants up to my armpits and beat them off my lawn with a good shaking stick. If that don't work, I throw postage stamps out in the busy street and tell 'em "they're groooovy love wafers maaaan".
Slashdot Mirror
Just a bit of history for those who might be interested.
Adolphus Busch was a German. The town he visited in Czech is called Ceske Budejovice; which translates to "Budweis" in German. Czech monks had been brewing for centuries a recipe which was sold under that name in Germany for ages, dating back to the 13th century in some lore. Adolph's friend, Conrad (see page 2 of The King of Beer for what follows), visited that Czech town and later proclaimed that beer to be "the best beer I had ever tasted". Conrad purchased the recipe from the monks who brewed it, and later had the Busch brewery name it after that town.
Now, my understanding is that Anheuser-Busch (AB) trademarked that name around 1880 or so. The actual company Budvar, was not created until almost two decades later. Either way, AB beat Budvar to the punch on the trademark. However, the important point of minutiae here is that Budvar was formerly the Czech Share Brewery, founded in part by August Zatka in 1895 and some local brewers (who Town Hall had recognized as businesses for at least a century prior to this merger, whereas before they were just monks and locals). Now, how that specific recipe was acquired by Zatka and others in 1890 is unkown to me. From those same monks? Were those monk brewers the other part of that "startup" company in Budejovice at the time (along with Zatka)? Or, similarly to Adolph, was it just purchased from the monks? I don't know. Whatever the case, to consider AB "Budweiser" to be near the original recipe (such as Budvar) today, is unquestionable. There is no relation. Furthermore, would we refer to "Budweiser" as a Budweiser Budvar as we would (say) Jordache in place of a pair of Levis? And what about history in general?
AB actually was "first come first serve" and beat Budvar to that legal trademark. AB also has been "squatting" on the Budvar name for quite some time now. Personally, I give no formal recognition to either of AB's claims or holdings.
My understanding of the legal battles (and why Budvar has won most of them worldwide) is something called appellations of origins. Which means, agricultural products synonymous with their origins of local are protected in trademark; much like Florida oranges or (specifically) Emmantaler Cheese (which we commonly refer to as "Swiss" which hails from the valley of Emme). So, what we have here is something like this in the Apple case; Apple Corps (Apple Retail, Apple Records, et cetera) and Apple Inc (or just "Apple") just like Budweiser Budvar and "Budweiser". Although appellation of origins doesn't apply in the Apple case, the similarities between the two reminded me of this. Fortunately, Budvar has had regional successes in various countries who recognize precedence and history over financial influence or market establishment, imo. We can thank some European courts for that, but others haven't been so accountable.
Whatever the case, I claim on behalf of Budvar prior "art". For if you've ever home brewed yourself, you would know that it's not just a process, but a laborious creative masterpiece! But some batches do turn out like female skunk bait. And, yes, I bet you can guess which brewer I think is skunk bait.
Ever seen a chick flick before? It's something we must all endure from time to time as men. My secret? Just grab yourself some skoal and a courtesy cup at the popcorn shop. It really helps you focus on Julia Roberts features, while "pookems" sitting next to you is heavily engrossed in the dialog. Important Tip: read reviews on imdb or rottentomatoes beforehand. That way, like cliff notes, you can add some quick insight when "pookems" picks your brain about the movie later.
Michael Moore already has it in post production; to be released in Summer 2007. In one scene, Jack Valenti dressed in black overcoat and shades is seen purchasing Snakes on a Plane in Ontario.
Mod me down instead. Skadet makes a good point, whereas I am completely incoherent at times. Thanks in advance.
This whole lawsuit reminds me of the battle between American Budweiser vs. the Czech brewer Budvar. Fortunately, and rightfully so, the European courts upheld precedent in trademark name on behalf of Budvar. I may be American, but I am a proud Czech first. Stick it to "the man". That's my motto, and I proudly raise my Budvar to it.
Pain is universal too. And at my age, the ice breaker for me meeting new friends is, "So, who you seeing for your liver spots?". And, the article mentions the average age was 18 I believe.
I agree with your synopsis of the article, but I respectfully disagree with your conclusion. He did hit his target audience - the "unfamiliar with" linux. Most of us chip heads lose sight of the fact that we are not the most eloquent or observant when writing documentation. But like most of us linux lifers (getting feet wet in 92 or so), I would imagine the intent of those experienced users then, writing kernel compile "howtos" (and such) at the time, provided us that very same learning curve by accident and not design.
If God truly used *nix for this creation, was he running it on a Sun system?
I'll take a stab at it, and you can beat me over the head for my calculations below. I can speak to the latter first. When idle (no packet transmission), for an Intel pro 1000, at 10Mbps it consumes about 3W and at 1000Mpbs about 7W. When on, it uses about 58W for 10Mbps and 61W for 1000Mbps. So, to answer your first part about time intervals, help me out here with my math:
for a 100 MB file (neglecting overhead and packet delay),
Interval from 0 to 80 seconds (10Mbps with no idle time and 1000Mbps with 79.2s idle). The 1000Mbps card consumes 7W at idle:
Something doesn't seem right here. Even at lower 1MB file transfers, the ratio would stay the same. Either way, it would seem to imply 1000Mbps would still be far more energy efficient. I must be missing something rather obvious in my calculations. If not, I can only assume that either: 1) My energy consumption data pulled off the net are wrong for the Intel Pro 1000, or 2) The majority of energy consumption is spent during long periods of idle time.
If 2, then at long periods (say 1 hour = 3600 s), then the 4W difference between 10Mbps and 1000Mbps at long idle might be the energy problem:
1000Mbps uses 4W more power than 10Mbps at idle (from initial data), so
So, 14080J is what a 1000Mbps negotiation full time would require over a 10Mbps for the remaining idle time over that one hour period.
Even the (4640 - 612) = 4028J you save while transferring at 1000Mbps over 10Mbps in just 80 seconds, you actually require (14080 - 4028) = 10052 more Joules over a one hour period using a NIC negotiating at 1000Mbps all the time. What would be the break even (BE) point between the two?
So, for ~17 minutes of idle time or less, the 1000Mbps is more energy efficient for this theoretical scenario. For longer periods of inactivity, the 10Mbps wins. In real life NIC usage though, I really don't know how realistic this casual observation means (or if it's even correct). And, btw, my head just exploded.
I agree. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of how your turbo charger works in a vehicle. There is that slight delay before it kicks in, but not very perceptible overall.
I did. The problem (FTA):
"One challenge is finding a way to make a PC or laptop network interface card (NIC) change gears more quickly -- "a couple orders of magnitude faster than auto-negotiation, to make the switch as seamless as possible," Bennett says. "Auto-negotiation runs at about 1.4 seconds and we're talking about -- just to start the discussion -- a millisecond of switching time."
So, why not just set NIC(s) to negotiate at the lowest speed first? Then throttle up gradually based on end to end transmission intervals. They talked about using buffers and NIC electrical consumption to handle the negotiation. I say, just start at 10mbps and negotiate up to Gig speed gradually, and make the firmware drivers allow one to turn that feature off/on and back to our current default. My simpleton mind must be overlooking something.
Heh. I like your style. I don't know about you, but I already have my deathbed speech all worked out: "cya! wouldn't wanna be ya!"
Also, I believe there are no current contracts with labor unions and Dell currently. Sounds to me like just another attempt by the benefactors of labor unions to pressure Dell into make that concession.
Who's filing the suit? Only two. A bank established for labor unions and a company which handles pension funds. I can connect the italic dots (and this story); Dell's just in the middle of another labor union contract negotiation phase; lawsuits are not an uncommon tactic.
Probably the bonus picture calendar which comes bundled inside every Vista retail box, featuring Ballmer in the month of June dressed in a white wedding dress for losing his delivery date bet to Bill.
What? And put Symantec, McAfee, and countless IT professionals out of business? How dare you!
Actually, if you read the autobiographical companion to Earth in the Balance, in the book of Disseminations 3:2-10, Al Gore recounts a preminition that consumed him shortly after Clinton passed him the reefer:
"And I looked [fffft! ffffft! d-d-damn thats good shit Bill], and behold a pale white engineer [fffFFFT! FFFFT!... aHUh! aHUH!]: and his name that sat on him was googoo, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto him over the fourth part of [FFFFT! FFFFFFT! FFFFFFT! AHUH! AHUH!] m-m-my creation, to kill with [ahuh! ahuh!] adverts, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of [ahuh!] capitalism."
You should go to the ibridgenetwork website and try a topic. I picked one at random, "virus". It took a while to retrieve the results, but I was quite impressed. It generated a whole slew of academic research relating to that general topic. My first impression was that it's the WebMD portal of patentable academic research. However, I think what the site needs to be truly effective is a deeper parse tree, containing more specific sub categories (branches) and relations amongst siblings. Currently, I believe there are only a handful of categories and about 30 sub categories (like "virus"). They really need to refine those sub categories even further, since clicking on "virus" gave me everything from Cancer epidemiology to Agricultural pesticides. Implementing a search hierarchy using a weighted graph instead would probably help facilitate those who visit their website. Otherwise, it doesn't even compare to a refined google search relating to a specific area of research.
Actually, I think those select moderators have it correct here. The thread starter's post is more of a condemnation than anything constructive, imho. The entire post is one big unfair generalization of the linux community at large, casting aspersions without much real insight if you ask me. I do believe he made one interesting point though...
Most companies are not willing to change everything all at once if they can't have a gradual migration then they wont go with that product set.
He makes a great point there. Unfortunately, I think the parent misses the point that OSS (by nature) is a gradual process (paradoxically in both perception and design), even moreso than most commercial release cycles. I've been using linux for almost 15 years now, and it's all one big evolutionary blur to me. The irony is that linux release cycles are so rapid, they almost vaporize before they materialize. Compare any combination of lib or software releases like 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3 against cycles like 95, 98, 2000, XP, Vista (and service packs). Back to his point, the gradual transition of linux release cycles is actually a perfect fit for the business model. The only real obstacle is the closed source incompatibility of interoperation between Linux and Windows. Remove that deterrent, and I believe most people's perceptions of Linux will change.
Accountability. Accountability. Accountability. [ That's me impersonating Ballmer and throwing my office chair at the screen ]
Like in the corporate world, us developers are held accountable by our next paycheck. That's always been sorely lacking in OSS, but it's an inherent trait. I think you can see the effect of what accountability can bring to linux with Ubuntu. Just follow the money trail from the devs all the way on up to Mark.
"Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me."
Sure, I opted for the Tommy Boy "discount" special instead. My rig ain't no Apple, but hey, I saved a buttload and all my parts are guaranteed for three years anyways.We tell those people to stay the hell off our lawns. Damn kids these days...
I pull my pants up to my armpits and beat them off my lawn with a good shaking stick. If that don't work, I throw postage stamps out in the busy street and tell 'em "they're groooovy love wafers maaaan".