Re: Open Source Supported Graphics Cards

I thought the niche Debian was trying to fill was rock solid
stability and reliability in a 100% free software format. If
I'm confused, let me know.
Right on.

That's a reasonable goal, even a good goal, if you are willing to
remain a small, exclusive club.

Actually, Debian is one of the fastest growing distribution according to
Netcraft:

http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2005/12/05/strong_growth_for_debian.html

and Linux in general is making it's mark with companies such as HP, IBM, and
Google and around the world.

I'm arguing to
consider the point of view of would-be Windows defectors.

I don't believe the Debian project is not meant to be a Windows replacement.
I don't even think it exists to compete with MS Windows, but to provide a
free(dom) operating system for everyone.

Here are a couple of cases for things that casual users can manage in
Windows PC's but would have great difficulty in Debian. The following
is not meant to say that Windows is good. It's not: it's crap. But
they did do some things right, and we ought to take notice.

You can get books that help. In fact, the Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible (ISBN
0-7645-7644-5) is a great book for those just getting started with Debian and
Linux and answers the first two common tasks they'd need to know as well as
installation help and getting a desktop up and running. They also discuss
Internet and Intranet services such as web servers, printing, file servers,
FTP, etc, and it's only $40.00 (hey, you're not paying for the operating
system!)

I just get a little upset when people want to mold Debian into something like
a Windows clone. If you want that, try a Debian-derivative such as Linspire
or Xandros. I also don't like it when people completely ignore the
accomplishments of Microsoft with Windows and rip them to shreds as if their
operating system is non-functional without considering that MS made the PC
and an office suite so prevalent. I don't agree with their business tactics,
licensing nightmares or their monopoly in the desktop world though.


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