The problem with Microsoft is it focuses on keeping it's leverage over other competition as opposed to software quality. Microsoft is keeping the software industry from evolving and advancing. Who knows what we would be able to do today if Microsoft never existed.
Prince_Albert said:
If it wasn't for m$, ciomputers wouldn't have spread as they have. Sure, their os migh suck at times, but at least they did got to bring a pc to my bedroom.
Actually it was Apple that made "windows." Microsoft "stole" the idea though and put itself in a position where it could hold on to as much power as possible. If microsoft didn't exist chances are you would have a better and cheaper pc right now. Think about it you have to pay like an extra $100 when you buy a computer for windows. Most the time you do not even get a choice of whether you even want it or not!
Charlie Brown said:
Just because Microsoft's aim is to make money doesnt mean dont they try to deliver the best product to the consumer...its called keeping the edge. and people that work there probably have pride in their work just like the geek on the linux box.
Open source is a disadvantage in my mind its having no rules at all anarchy on a computing scale. You have to speak 50 different languages just to understand 'hello', who has the time for that?
who can honestly say that running a windows network is not one of the best options avaible...advantage - standards baby standards!!
Keeping the edge isn't neccasary when you are constantly bankrupting and manipulating your competition. Edge is Microsofts last resort, it digs into their profit.
Open Source in my opinion is at an advantage. For one people that contribute to Open Source usually do it out of love for programming. They love it so much that they feel everyone should be able to get it for free. In my experience things done for your own pleasure as opposed to for money usually have more creative force behind them. When contributing to Open Source the contributor usually works on a small part of the bigger system. That means that person can focus and refine whatever he is working on. The man power and creative energy behind linux supercedes the monetary potential Microsoft may have. Give linux sometime it'll get more and more refined and integrated.
Linux vs. Windows goes beyond what operating system is better. It comes down to morality. There are people that see information as a tool to make profit and gain power, they use that gained profit and power to restrict information and hold on to their power.
Then there are people that believe all information is free and no one can own it, and everyone has a god given right to information.
So what will win out in the end? The idealism of Linux vs The materialism of Microsoft. Which one is a more powerful force? Only time will tell.