IP-WARS.NET || Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put up or shut up?

Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put up or shut up?

By JCausey, Section Microsoft Related Articles
Posted on Sat Nov 12th, 2005 at 12:27:44 EST

Over at TechRepublic, Mark W. Kaelin recently issued a "challenge", Time for Linux evangelists to put up or shut up in which he is offering a reward for folks to write some articles about Linux. His basic gripe is that he has written some stories/articles about all the steps one has to take to get and keep a Windows PC ready for use and he keeps getting comments from Linux supporters telling him to abandon Windows and save a lot of effort. His challenge is for folks to write an article(s) about 10 steps needed to prep a Linux PC. I hope everyone realizes he has started with an assumption that 10 steps are actually needed to have a Linux PC ready for use by your average user. I decided I would post my response here where I'm not subject to his editorial control, not limited by his word limit, and hopefully this article won't turn into some "see, Linux takes 10 steps too" type of article. Of course, I guess I have to forego the $200 prize.

Before I jump in, I do want to make it clear that I'm not a programmer or a system admin or an "IT Professional" (whatever that is). I'm an end user, but most would consider me a "power" user. I'm the person that friends and family (and even professional peers) go to when they need help with their PC's. In the course of doing that, I have managed to impress the real PC gurus I've had a chance to work with on occasion. I think I also have a benefit due to having recently setup a new Windows XP computer, done a clean install of SuSE 9.3 Pro, upgraded SuSE 9.2 to 9.3 on a box, and installed OpenSUSE 10 on a laptop. Yeah, yeah, yeah - no big deal for folks that work on that type of stuff all the time, but I like to think more than your average bear. I'm sure in my bootstrap bungling around many of our IPW readers will spot improvements in the processes that I look at. But, humor me and enjoy the article as I take a look at Kaelin's lists of things to be done with a Windows box, contrast that with a Linux box, and maybe even generate a short list of things to do with a Linux box (not sure I'll make it to 10).

Before getting into the "meat" of this analysis, I do want to comment briefly on a few statements Kaelin makes in his article. I don't know who Kaelin communicates with, but he apparently thinks all Linux enthusiasts and supporters do so out of some drive to "save the planet" or "earn brownie points" or "stick it to the man." I guess perhaps there are some out there like that. But just to make it clear, I don't use Linux for any of those reasons. I use it because I have found it to be much more reliable, it is less of a hassle to keep it running cleanly, I have lots of options available to me, and the cost can't be beat. And this won't matter to most end users, but I like the fact that I can dig into it a bit and do some "hacking" of my own. Not only are there lots of resources for help, the system is understandable if you're willing to do a little studying and you don't run the risk of melting down your system in most any situation. Windows moved out of that realm a long time ago. So I guess one message I hope Kaelin gets from this is not to extrapolate the comments of a few posters to your blog to the whole universe of Linux users.

10 things to prepare a Windows PC versus a Linux PC
The following is the list from the most recent article by Kaelin that has prompted this challenge. He prepared an article listing 10 things he does to get a Windows PC ready for use (and thinks every user should and has to do these things). I'll go ahead and warn you now - the list is really much longer than 10. As you'll see, his first item in this list is really a reference to another list of 10 (really 11) things to be done, so we'll have to take that detour. There is some overlap between the lists. And at least another item lists several sub-points. I haven't gone through the lists making tick marks and counting items, but my rough estimate is it should probably be about 30 things to be done (assuming you buy the fallacy that he really knows what needs to be done to prep a PC). So without further ado:

Prepare the computer for the Internet - for Windows PC's, the additional steps needed to get the PC ready for connection to the Internet is really mind-boggling. This is the first detour we take as we have to go look at the list of 10 things to do to accomplish this one task. Given that news came out earlier this year that a Windows PC hooked directly to the Internet has about 12 minutes before it is attacked, this is really critical.
1. Make a starter CD-ROM - this is a CD that you are supposed to burn a copy of your AV software onto (assuming the CD or file from the vendor doesn't have some copy protection in place preventing this). According to Kaelin, one also needs to burn a ton of drivers for different hardware (I especially got a laugh out of burning drivers for your video card - wouldn't your new PC have a new video card, rendering your old drivers useless?). This got me to wondering - doesn't Windows XP include drivers for most hardware out there? I know when I did installs of SuSE Linux and OpenSUSE, all the drivers were there for my hardware. Why wouldn't Windows XP include the same thing? I can understand if you bought something really cutting edge at the same time as your new PC, but if you are just moving over a bunch of existing peripherals, shouldn't support already be there? Given the innate security of Linux, I put this item in the category of - "does not need to be done for a Linux system".
2. Remove promotional apps - Sorry Kaelin, but you don't have to worry about this one with Linux. Just install what you want - no more, no less. Even if you pick one of the "default" type installs, your system doesn't get bogged down with a bunch of advertising. Another one for "does not need to be done for a Linux system".
3. Install anti-virus software - Not only do you need to install AV, but Kaelin also points out that you'll probably need to install some spyware software. I know in my recent setup of a Windows XP box, I had to install both of these applications. With Linux, I didn't do it, though I'm inclined to think SuSE installs some AV software. And yes, there are Linux viruses out there along with other nasty stuff. But the threat is pretty low and you have time to look at options if you think it is something really needed. This is one of those areas where a Linux guru would know better. For a Joe Blow user like myself, I'm going to ding this one into - "does not need to be done for a Linux system." (at least, not during initial setup)
4. Turn on software firewall - Both Windows and Linux handle this during the initial configuration/setup/install. I'm not real sure why something else would have to be done post-install of the OS. Unless you are installing an additional firewall because you think the built in firewall in Windows XP or Linux is too weak for the job. With Linux, I don't think so. With Windows XP, yep! So another one for "does not need to be done for a Linux system" though I might go along with a tie for this one if you are willing to live with the Windows XP firewall.
5. Install printers and other peripherals - This one is going to be done by both operating systems as well. Not being a Linux guru, I'm not real sure how it gets done, but I know when I finish my OS install, everything is there to support the hardware. With Windows XP, the process comes at the end, though it too is part of the whole install process. Of course, with Windows XP, you are talking multiple reboots and woe be to you if you have connected something that was supposed to have the drivers installed first. This one could easily go down as a push, but being the Linux "evangelist" I am, I'm going to go with "does not need to be done for a Linux system" simply because I didn't have to do anything extra after the install finished to have all my hardware working properly.
6. Establish password for administrator account - Well, this kind of gets us to some of the basic difference between Linux and Windows. In the installs of Linux I've done, you go through the process of setting up your "root" account as part of the install and then you are promptly told don't use that account unless you are doing something specific. With the Windows XP install I recently did, there was no prompt to establish an "administrator only" or "root" account. I'm sure putting passwords on accounts is a good practice, though I don't really see the necessity in a home setting. Nevertheless, Linux forces you to create user accounts with passwords - Windows does not. And in Linux, these accounts don't have administrator access. So, sorry, but yet another one for the "does not need to be done for a Linux system" column.
7. Create new user with password - In this case, Kaelin also suggests this new user, the one for daily use, not have administrator capabilities. Kaelin notes that doing so will thwart malicious software from doing harm in many cases. My experience is that Windows XP users without administrator capabilities are thwarted in using legitimate software as well - at least, not without some major technical know how. Sorry, but "does not need to be done for a Linux system".
8. Turn off unnecessary Windows services - With all of the Linux installs I've done, things are off by default. So I have not found it necessary to turn off anything "unnecessary" as it was never there to begin with. "Does not need to be done for a Linux system".
9. Establish a system restore point - OK, my non-guru status will reveal itself here as I'm not even sure how you would do this on a Linux system. Of course, I'm not worried about having to rollback stuff on my Linux boxes. I also don't worry about it on a Windows box - if something gets so screwed up that a "restore" is needed, the box is probably hosed to where a clean install will be needed anyway. But, given my lack of attention and knowledge about this step, I'll call it a "push".
10. Install and configure a router - Why is that do you suppose? Do you mean to tell me that the previous 9 steps just recommended are still not enough to protect that Windows box from the Internet? Geez! OK, I think having a router in place is a good thing, especially for broadband connections. It is some nice, extra security. But I don't think it is a "must have" for a Linux box. I guess Kaelin thinks it is for a Windows box, so "does not need to be done for a Linux system".
11. Head to Windows Update - do not pass GO, do not collect $200 - this item was not included in the list of 10 things to do (is it on double secret probation?), but was instead listed in the conclusion. However, this was the final thing Kaelin says one needs to do. The Linux installs I did all connected and updated themselves as part of the install. No need for additional steps by the end user. Yep, you know where this one is going.
It looks to me like the score from the 10 steps to get a PC ready for the Internet is about 10-0-1 in favor of Linux. And that push item was creating a restore point, not something that is really needed for connecting to the Internet. So when we look at this first item in Kaelin's list, "Prepare the computer for the Internet", I do not really see anything that needs to be done. Once you are done installing the Linux OS, your system is secure and ready for the Internet. Sure, things can be improved upon and one may decide to take some additional steps if they are especially paranoid. But hooking that new Linux box up to the 'net doesn't really require any extra effort once the install is done. I guess that is why so many users keep telling Kaelin, just use Linux and be done with those worries. Overall for this first point, I'm putting it down as "does not need to be done for a Linux system".
Turn on Cleartype and adjust desktop settings - OK, I don't remember having to turn on Cleartype for the recent Windows setup I did. And adjusting desktop settings? While nice, is that really "necessary" to have your PC ready for use? I'm sorry, but I just don't see how this even got on the list. Nevertheless, if you insist this is a necessary step, Linux allows you to adjust desktop settings as well. Hey, you even get more than the two (maybe it's three now) schemes available with Windows XP (blue and silver). Overall I give this a push, but if done, I think you'll be much happier with the options and control that Linux gives you.
Configure file system - haha - I thought this might have something to do with structuring your directory tree or putting your data on a separate partition from your apps and OS. Little did I know that configuring your file system actually means configuring Windows Explorer to show you stuff like you want to see it. In Kaelin's case, he apparently wants to see detail content lists and all hidden and system files. Sounded like an awful lot of work in his article - with Konquerer (my "Explorer") I just pull down a menu and check an item. Hit a button to switch to detail view. Basically, change it on the fly as the need dictates. I'm leaning toward "does not need to be done on a Linux system" for this one.
Set screen resolution and Hz and DPI - Yeah, ok, you have to do this if you are not satisfied with the default settings provided by the OS during configuration. I don't really see this as a "necessary" step to getting your PC ready for use as it is so much based on personal preferences. I also would have thought this was part of item 2 about (adjust desktop settings). I'll give it a push just to be kind.
Activate Windows - Yep, gotta do this. What I thought was interesting was that Kaelin thinks Linux users have to do the same thing. I'm not sure where he got that from. I've never had to do it. Maybe in the enterprise setting where a company is buying support from a Linux vendor it is needed, but for Jane Doe home user, this step is not needed. You know the column.
Copy over browser shortcuts - I have to admit, I've never done this with either Windows or Linux installs. Apparently, I don't place nearly enough emphasis on my bookmarks like Kaelin does. My opinion is that this is not needed for either OS, so I'll give it a "push".
Install needed applications - Hooboy... Here we go with another one of those major differences between Linux and Windows. Remember way back in item 1, one of the steps was to remove all the promotional apps? Well, with Linux, instead of getting a computer that is initially setup with a bunch of advertising, you get a system loaded with actual, useful applications. That difference in itself renders this item virtually unnecessary in the Linux world, but let's humor Kaelin and go through the list anyway.
- office suite, including e-mail client - Linux comes with a variety of office suites and e-mail clients. Pick the one you like best. Everything is already there for you with your new Linux system. With Windows, I guess you at least get "Outlook Express" for an e-mail client. In the meantime, you can go out and buy a copy of Microsoft Office (kaching!) or better yet, download and install OpenOffice. Yep - OSS to the rescue! You still have to go through the install though, so rack one up for "does not need to be done on a Linux system".
- money management application - I'll concede these types of applications in the F/OSS world are not yet up to par for many home users. Nevertheless, your Linux box probably has GnuCash already installed and I noticed in OpenSUSE they included KmyMoney (my current favorite and program I use). So no extra steps for the Linux folks means...
- RSS Reader - I guess I'm behind the times as I don't make much use of RSS feeds, so this is not really something on my list. I do note that my Linux installs come with an RSS reader ready for use and last I checked, Firefox's live bookmarks can provide a similar function. I have no idea what one would install on a Windows box for this purpose, but since one apparently has to take the added step of installing yet more software, I say "does not need to be done on a Linux system".
- iTunes - With no version of iTunes for Linux, this item is not really applicable. Of course, I'm pretty much fed up with DRM and all the different copy protection schemes out there, so I no longer use iTunes and I've converted all my music from them to mp3 format (and eventually ogg if I get some time). Of course, Linux does come with several media players. Depending on your installation, you may have to install some additional codecs since so many companies out there seem more interested in their license revenue instead of you being able to actually listen/view their content. I'll give this one a "push".
- Graphics/Paint program - Why? You say Windows Paint ain't a real graphics program. Sorry to hear that as your buddy with his new Linux box can happily fire up The GIMP, OO Draw, or perhaps even InkScape for vector graphics. On Windows, I always used Paint Shop Pro(PSP bought by Corel?? Wow, I missed that), though I know many people like Photoshop. I've found The GIMP to be just as good as PSP and it came with Linux. So, this one goes to "does not need to be done on a Linux system".
- VPN client - I've never had to do this. Given the peculiar and specific nature of VPN's, I'm guessing this will be the same with either OS, so "push".
- CD/DVD burning applications - much like multimedia, Linux comes with a variety of choices for the new Linux user. I especially like K3B (it, more than anything else, is probably responsible for my switching from Gnome to KDE). Now, I have found Windows CD burning capabilities to be "ok" out of the box and iTunes is pretty good. Unless you want to burn an iso. I'm not sure about DVD-burning support on Windows. But, if Kaelin says this support (both CD and DVD) is lacking out of the box for Windows, I say it is right there and excellent in Linux, so this too "does not need to be done on a Linux system".
- HTML editor - I personally don't think most end users need this. But, I know the Linux installs I've done included the Bluefish editor, you can create fairly clean html with OO, Netscape's Composer is there. So I don't know, but I think it is already there for Linux boxes. Score another one for "does not need to be done on a Linux system".
- Application developer (Eclipse and VS) - now Kaelin is getting way out there. OK, if you are a developer you may need these, and Eclipse is now becoming part of most Linux installs. In any case, don't you think we've gotten kind of far away from what is needed to have a useable computer for Ma and Pa? Sorry, this is another losing case for Windows.
Whew. How long did it take for the Windows user to install all that software? How much money did they spend to get it all in place (woe be to the user who was compelled to install Microsoft Office)? So not only did they have to waste time uninstalling all the adware...errr...promotional apps, then they had to go back and install all this stuff to actually make their PC useful? Sorry, but while they are doing all that, the Linux user is already being productive or playing at whatever it is they want to do. You know where this one goes as well.
Setup e-mail and homepage - Well duh! Of course, I'm not sure what this has to do with choice of an operating system. So we'll call this one a "push".
Install PowerToys - What?!?!? More stuff that should have been included with the operating system, but wasn't? Let's see - everything in Linux is configurable "out of the box". With Windows, the ability to configure stuff is limited in many cases (remember, only a couple themes?), hard to find (like the settings for folder views), or doesn't exist without the installation of yet more software. And even then you can't get to everything and anything. Yep, gotta give this one to "does not need to be done on a Linux system".
Save system and registry, backup - This is another one of those things that I don't ever bother to do with either operating system even though I know I should. Of course, with Linux I'm not really worried since I don't have to worry so much about things like blue screens of death, etc. Nevertheless, I'll put this one in the "push" column as well.

Whew!!!! That was a whole lotta work that had to be done to get that computer up and running and ready for the user to start actually using it. By my count, the finally tally was 21 things that need to be done specific to Windows, none specific to Linux, and 8 that need to be done no matter what operating system is used.

But wait, there's more! Or less!
In addition to Kaelin's list of things to do, I think there are three more items that need to be addressed.

Install pdf reader - As much as they are used now, it is pretty much a given that you have to have an app to read pdf files. I know Linux comes with more than one flavor to be able to do this. I don't think Windows XP comes with anything included. So, it's off to install a pdf reader. Nod to Linux.
Install pdf writer - Perhaps this is not so important for a home user, but certainly any business really should be able to produce pdf versions of documents. Admittedly, this is my own "list item" and is probably not preached by many "professionals". Of course, Linux can do this any number of ways. If you are running Windows, you have a couple options I suppose. Probably the most obvious would be to purchase something like Adobe Acrobat (not the Reader, the full version). For most documents though, the smart thing to do would be to use OpenOffice and its native ability to produce pdf's. Since I am probably in a minority in thinking this is a "must have" for a useful PC, I won't count it against Windows - just something for you to think about.
Install a rootkit scanner - As if needing AV software, spyware removal software, and a better firewall product weren't enough, it now appears Windows users will start having to install rootkit scanners (thanks Sony!). Nod to Linux again.

The Linux list
OK, so now we get to the challenge from Kaelin. A list of 10 things to do to prep a Linux PC for actual use. Hmmmm. Let me think. I guess there are the things that were "push" items in our list above? Let's see what I can come up with.

Setup one non-root user - ok, this was really done as part of the install process, so I'm not sure it should count. But I will to be generous.
Adjust desktop settings - I don't think this really needs to be done to make the PC use-able, but I'm sure just about every PC user will want to mess around with some things like the desktop background, color scheme, etc. A minority probably even go through the trouble of changing their screen resolution and making sure settings like screen refresh rates are set at optimal values.
Import browser shortcuts/favorites - I don't bother doing this, but it probably is a necessary step for people who actually use their bookmarks.
Install needed applications - Linux comes with more software than one can possibly imagine. It is really hard to imagine something not being there that you need. Nevertheless, there are a couple items that I would check for and install if they were not included.
- Adobe Reader for Linux - Adobe finally got off their butts and got their reader for Linux somewhat in sync with the versions available for other operating systems. It was a vast improvement when it finally happened. This is not a "necessary" thing, but I would recommend it as I think it does a good job of rendering pdf files.
- VideoLAN Media Player - Due to all the licensing restrictions so many companies feel it is necessary to impose in protecting their content, I do find Linux to be crippled in this respect. I was particularly dismayed when I recently tried to play a DVD movie to discover it was a no go. Until I installedVLC.
- Mplayer - Again, if not present, this is a piece of software you may want to grab as well. It is needed for the same reason as VLC - so many attempts to lock out users from accessing content. If you have a need to access things like .wmv files, this one may be a necessity.
Um, ok, that's all for other applications that I can think of.
Setup e-mail and homepage - Sure, why not. Though Firefox's default is to take you to a specially branded Google search page, so setting the homepage may not be necessary for many users.

I count five steps for a Linux PC. If I include the installing application sub-points, it is eight. That compares with 29 individual items for the Windows PC according to Kaelin. So he was upset that so many people posted comments to his site to the effect of "why bother with all that - make your life easier and install Linux." It looks to me like they are right. Just imagine if one of the big players (e.g. Dell, HP, etc.) produced a "consumer-grade" PC running one of the major Linux distros (SUSE, Red Hat, etc.). I'm guessing they'd be able to make it so things like VLC, Mplayer, Adobe Reader - stuff that needs specific licenses - were included with the PC (I think those are some of the things you get when you actually pay for a Linux distro, some of those additional licenses). If that were the case, I think the user of a new Linux PC would be looking at doing two things after they setup their new PC - import any old bookmarks and setup their e-mail/browser. Simple, simple, simple.

What is the value of Windows?
Writing this article really makes me wonder, just what is the value of having Windows XP on your next new PC? The only thing that I can think of is to be able to play PC games. Of course, that means the real value of Windows XP is as a gaming platform. I suppose if games are important to you, then there may be some value in Windows XP. In my opinion, money management software is still a weak point for Linux as well, so possibly that could enter the equation for your typical consumer. Given the trade-off in reliability and security versus some reduced functionality of a handful of applications, I think Linux has to be the clear choice. So my challenge is for anyone to put forth an argument as to why Windows XP is preferable to Linux. Anyone?

Thanks for reading,
Jeff

< Scientigo-A-GoGo (11 comments) | GPLv3 Process Definition Released (9 comments) >

Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put up or shut up? | 23 comments (21 topical, 2 editorial, 5 hidden)

Devil's advocate (3.80 / 5) (#3)
by AncientBrit on Sat Nov 12th, 2005 at 13:54:05 EST
(User Info)

To be perfectly fair to Mr Gates and his devotees, you might add the installation of Win4lin (or other virtual machine) to allow people to continue to use those M$windows applications which still have no adequate native Linux/Unix equivalents.

Actually I have not tried Win4lin so don't know whether it is any good. I have tried WINE and found it pretty useless - I still keep an old W98se box going instead.

Re: Devil's advocate by mck9, 11/12/2005 17:02:18 EST (4.00 / 5)

Re: Devil's advocate by rex007can, 11/14/2005 10:30:11 EST (3.75 / 4)

Re: Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put u (3.66 / 3) (#12)
by br3n on Tue Nov 22nd, 2005 at 10:30:23 EST
(User Info)

just a quick comment about printers and MS.
my daughter has win XP and when she bought a new printer,the MS OS prompted for installation of a driver,but
i read directions.
it said on the directions to NOT use the driver provided with MS.
i tried it just to see what would happen and it errored out.so i removed it then reinstalled from the disc included with the printer.
linux isnt perfect either,but i can trust it in most cases.
althought mandrake 10.1 was a nitemare at update times for me.i still get better run times and less downtime with linux.and i am not a techy.

br3n

3rd party applications, dvd video creation (3.50 / 4) (#6)
by deepdistrust (deepdistrustspamwelcome@yahoo.com) on Fri Nov 18th, 2005 at 17:35:30 EST
(User Info)

To me, the value of Windows is in the availability of 3rd party applications for some tasks.

Topping the list are programs that can make a (shrunk) copy of a DVD video, programs to split DVD video etc.
Things like Britannica Encyclopedia electronic version don't work with Linux (based on what Britannica web site says - I will know for sure when I get the software).
I could not set up the software to use hauppage pvr250 with Linux. pvr250 software for Windows comes with the hardware.
Connection to the work environment (anyplaceweb -> citrix) also works only with Windows.
Some web sites I frequent need Internet Explorer. They work with an old version of Netscape on Windows, but with no version of Netscape or Mozilla on Linux. They use the so-called dynamic fonts to show foreign language alphabet.

In fact, the only thing I am using Linux for these days, is gimp for scanning (the Windows software that came with the Epson scanner is absolutely horrendous!), and encfs for encrypting the scanned stuff (though truecrypt is a good enough alternative on Windows).

Re: 3rd party applications, dvd video creation by mikey, 11/21/2005 10:37:49 EST (3.66 / 3)

Re: 3rd party applications, dvd video creation by deepdistrust, 11/21/2005 14:11:43 EST (3.33 / 3)

Re: 3rd party applications, dvd video creation by mikey, 11/21/2005 16:39:15 EST (none / 2)

Re: 3rd party applications, dvd video creation by ColonelZen, 11/19/2005 12:07:05 EST (3.50 / 4)

Re: 3rd party applications, dvd video creation by deepdistrust, 11/21/2005 13:37:24 EST (3.50 / 4)

Re: Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put u (3.00 / 3) (#14)
by stewiegriffin on Sat Jan 7th, 2006 at 19:09:56 EST
(User Info) http://www.collectivejuice.com

After reading this article, I wonder do myself too. Do I still want my Windows XP. The earlier versions of Windows was great. Not until XP came out. WIth the endless patches here and there and the instability. I don't mind switching over to Linux. Then again, WIndows have more functionalities.

Re: Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put u by JCausey, 01/09/2006 09:07:29 EST (none / 2)

Re: Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put u by stewiegriffin, 01/14/2006 15:09:22 EST (3.00 / 2)

Re: Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put u (3.00 / 3) (#17)
by dogbert on Sun Jan 15th, 2006 at 12:04:06 EST
(User Info) http://www.acute7.info

How comprehensive and informative article it is. It is very interestin to read this. Now, am wonderin, my windows XP has bad, bad progress. the same things r happening with me also. I would love to use now Windows. I thank you for such comprehensive guidance.
My blog archives:betas-online bestbreed

Bye bye spambot (none / 0) (#22)
by Potential Recruit on Tue Nov 28th, 2006 at 11:43:51 EST

This used to be a spambot post that is flooding the site. Due to volume, I had to resort to this while I work to block access by these bots. My apologies - thanks for your patience.

Jeff

Bye bye spambot (none / 0) (#23)
by Potential Recruit on Tue Nov 28th, 2006 at 12:13:49 EST

This used to be a spambot post that is flooding the site. Due to volume, I had to resort to this while I work to block access by these bots. My apologies - thanks for your patience.

Jeff

Time for Windows to Prove Its Value? aka put up or shut up? | 23 comments (21 topical, 2 editorial, 5 hidden)

Recent Diaries

SCO has a Potential and Credible BILLION Dollar Liability
by ColonelZen - March 15

The Chinese Room Revisited, Thoughts on Consciousness
by ColonelZen - November 24
1 comment

Advocacy
by br3n - October 29
3 comments

An IPOWER ful experience
by ColonelZen - September 25
6 comments

Learning C#
by ColonelZen - September 23
1 comment

Getting ruby DBI for Mysql and Postgresql working on FC 6
by ColonelZen - March 7

Declaration of Linus Torvalds
by nedu - February 13
1 comment

Declaration of M. Douglas McIlroy
by nedu - February 12
6 comments

Declaration of Ulrich Drepper
by nedu - February 11
1 comment

Declaration of K. Y. Srinivasan
by nedu - February 11

More Diaries...