[nzlug] Dell are sooo pwn3d

[Peter Butler]

> I see your linux choices, and raise you:
>  Vista Home edition
> ... 
>
> add a full and upgrade version of each of the above
> then add in a 64bit version of each.
> oh, and XP is still selling too.
>   

I think it is naive to compare these 8 editions of Windows to the number 
of Linux distros out there.  Different Windows editions typically remove 
certain features or place restrictions on what the user can do with the 
OS, but fundamentally they are the same operating system.  Comparing 
them to the cornucopia of Linux distros (each with their own supported 
architecture(s), kernel version, kernel patches, glibc version, drivers, 
desktop environment(s), applications, etc) is obscuring the fact that it 
is difficult for an uninformed user to make a choice about Linux.

I'm not saying too much choice is a bad thing for technical users.  I 
like the fact that Debian gives me huge flexibility and choices in what 
hardware I use and what applications I run.  However, when I want a 
basic desktop environment that (usually) works straight after 
installation, I use Ubuntu.

The goal of Ubuntu is to provide a simple and free desktop that works 
for most users, and I think it usually achieves that goal. <analogy 
quality="crap">Complaining that "it doesn't support XYZ" is like 
ordering a set meal in a restaurant and complaining that you can't eat 
any of the food served.  If you don't like what's on offer, cook your 
own meal.</analogy>

Cheers

Peter