On Sun, 2002-06-16 at 04:39, peter banks wrote:
The issue here is not the support Level of Os Distribution. The issue here is what does it take to make Linux more than "an also ran". Sure, For us Geeks, Linux is Fun! figuring out a problem is quite for filling. But that is different than using it for my Desktop where I have to do real work and send out resumes in a format that recruiters will be able to read. In order for Linux to take over the Desktop, Linux OS distributions are going to have develop the same level of support expertise that Microsoft has developed within the OEM / IT / support communities. I really don't see this happening in the Linux Community. I do however, see Linux as a real neat niche market doing the type things people used to buy Suns and HPUX machine.
If may lay my little egg here... My perception is that Linux is slowly but surely creeping into the desktop/'normal user' scene. I have been using Linux as my main desktop for more than a year now in a predominantly Windows environmnet. (OK, but I do my own support) Linux has only really started to move into the Office desktop over the last year or so, and I think it will still take at least 5 years before you will see a major shift in the industry. Remember, Windows has been the desktop norm for about eight years, and you have the problem that your avarage IT person wants to protect his job and don't want to move out of his comfort zone by learning a new OS. If the time comes when you can buy a Linux support person for 10 a dime (like you can MCSE's), then linux will be as 'supportable' as Windows. But that will still take some time to get there (although I don't think I would like that scenario) And the OEM support is coming. Look at IBM, DELL and Compaq/HP. They are already shipping machines with Linux pre-insalled I think the time will come when Linux will be an 'also ran' OS. Although I think it will still take a few years. The biggest problem is to change the mind of the people that spend the money in a company. They are normally people that are more affected by marketing than by techincal capabilities. But I also see much more Linux marketing these days. -- Andre Truter Software Engineer Registered Linux user #185282 ICQ #40935899 AIM: trusoftzaf http://www.trusoft.za.net <-------------------------------------------------> < The box said: Requires Windows 95 or better... > < So I installed Linux > <------------------------------------------------->