Messages in this thread |  | | Date | Sun, 26 May 1996 17:04:48 -0400 (EDT) | From | "William E. Roadcap" <> | Subject | Re: Crap: CONFIG_RANDOM and TCP FILTER |
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On Sun, 26 May 1996, Lauri Tischler wrote:
> Anno Domini 25 May 96 at 8:08, William E. Roadcap wrote: > > > And why do you think those user apps where written for those OSs. > > Because they fit the "users'" desktop.... > > > What 'desktop' ? I woudnt call Apple II a desktop of any kind.
Excuse me, but I was refering to the desktop in the strict sense of the work. (Desk Top)
> The reason why Apple II was a HUGE success was because of VisiCalc > spreadsheet program.
Apple II?? Who was talking about the Apple II?
I agree that availability of good applications is one of keys to a successful operating system. That is one of the points I use when arguing that Linux is far supperior to MS junk. Lots of popular programs don't make an OS superior, just popular. People don't buy and use Win95 because it is a good OS (it's not), they buy it because it is what they must use to run the applications they like.
However having popular applications is not the only key. It is also important to make/keep Linux accessible to and usable by the masses. The masses can't all afford a maxed out dedicated server and it is the masses that made all those other computers and OSs popular. Do you think Viscalc would have been popular if it only ran on Unix machines which in those days were VERY large and expensive monsters indeed.
So, you see, I agree with you, but I think there is more to the equation. You or I shouldn't call for the exclusion of features simply because we find them non-useful. Others will find those same features quite useful. We must try to see things from their point of view before invalidating their needs. Let's not become state-of-the-art snobs just because we get to play with the biggest, best and most expensive toys our employers are gracious enough to buy.
> If you wanna make Linux a _real_ succees you need to find a similar > 'killer ap'.
Perhaps, but unfortunately it is getting more and more difficult to invent new killer apps for any platform. With some exceptions, we seem to just be recycling and improving the same old stuff.
PS. Let's take any further discussion about this to private mail, Ok?
__ William E. Roadcap mailto:roadcapw@cfw.com TITUS Software ftp://titus.cfw.com/pub Waynesboro, Va (USA) http://www.cfw.com/~roadcapw
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