All these ideas are reasons. The one thing missing is that when it comes to
changing over from Microshaft products there is no strong business case that
can be made to move to an OS that where there are not as many business
options for systems and the barrier to entry is still high enough that many
software development companies are reluctant to commit to that OS.

All of us, developers and consumers, would benefit if this point could be
proven because this is the only way to move Microshaft out from its point of
control. If the Open Source Movement could every development the business
oriented skills to prove this point, then business leaders could be
convinced that there are other valid options and some of the barriers to
entry could be removed.

Remember the only reason that Microshaft is being hit with all the major
security problems is because it is the largest target. Before they became
the major security target it was Bind that was the target. Anytime there is
just one large target all the other targets will be overlooked. It is when
all the targets are close to the same size that it would be much harder for
any of the targets to be singled out. This is the point that needs to be
realized before the barrier to entry will be lowered enough that the
consumer will benefit.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: plug-discuss-admin@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
[mailto:plug-discuss-admin@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us]On Behalf Of Derek
Neighbors
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 9:17 PM
To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
Subject: Re: Linux Advocacy


On Sun, 2003-11-02 at 16:15, Chris Gehlker wrote:
> My problem comes with the notion that somehow we would be doing most
> people a favor if we convinced them to format their drives and install
> Linux/Open Office in place of Windows/MS Office. I just don't get it.
> If you  keep Windows patched and don't install every piece of spy-ware
> that  you can find on the internet it's not so unstable/insecure that
> avoiding those problems will ever compensate most people for the effort
> of leaning a new OS and program suite. Bear in mind that most folks
> simply hate learning new stuff  about their computer.

It is simply a matter of freedom.

--
Derek Neighbors
GNU Enterprise
http://www.gnuenterprise.org
derek@gnue.org

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