Re: Linux? I'm tired of being the oddball in the group. It's not worth it. Hello OSX.

From: TheLetterK (theletterk_at_spymac.nosppam.com)
Date: 07/13/05 

Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 19:18:52 -0400

neilnewsgroups@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> TheLetterK wrote:
>
>>Emmanuel Arias wrote:
>
>
> (snip)
>
>
>>>So now that I am a college freshman to be, I am encountering one
>>>obstacle after another just because I use Linux. It seems that the
>>>computing centers at virtually every single school I've applied to are
>>>only supporting OSX and Windows, and only certain versions of Windows.
>
>
>>Typically when they say 'we only support OS X and Windows', that means
>>'We won't help you with Linux problems'.
>
>
> Another reason for the OP to move to OS X or Windows.
>
>
>>>If that were just it I wouldn't have a problem but it is not that
>>>simple. For the accounting program there are various items of software
>>>that must be purchased and the textbooks and curriculum are based upon
>>>that software.
>>>In addition I have been told that I will receive many canned
>>>spread*** programs that will only run under Excel.
>>
>>So buy Crossover Office, VMWare,
>
>
> But these are just workarounds. I think it makes more sense to accept
> and follow his school's requirements.
>
>
>>or just dual boot with Windows.
>
>
> I see your point, but it might simplify his life to stick with one of
> the two OS's that his school supports while he's in school. He won't be
> graded on how many OS's he can run on his PC, so he might as well run
> only one, OS X or Windows.
>
>
>>All of them are certainly cheaper than a Mac.
>
>
> I don't think money's an issue here. If the OP can afford tuition, he
> can afford a new PC.
>
> (snip)
>
>
>>>To be honest maybe this is a good thing for me because I am discovering
>>>that in leaving the sheltered world of a typical high school student
>>>and starting to enter the real world (I hate that term!) it is quite
>>>obvious that the world runs on Windows or Macintosh and Linux and Linux
>>>support is almost impossible to find.
>
>
>>That's why you provide it for yourself.
>
>
> But that's another burden for somebody who will have plenty of
> schoolwork and other matters to contend with.
>
> Heck, why is everything in newsgroups always either/or? The OP can
> still dabble in Linux in his spare time, if he likes, while meeting his
> school's requirements and working in OS X or Windows.
>
> (snip)
>
>
>>>So now I am looking at a new G5 system because I can't stomach the
>>>thought of using Windows.
>>>Maybe I am copping out, but honestly I can't see myself having to jump
>>>through hoops for the rest of my life just to use Linux.
>
>
>>Won't be 'the rest of your life', not even a decade.
>
>
> True.
>
>
>>It'll get
>>progressively easier once Linux hits critical mass on the desktop (in
>>three years or so there should be more desktop Linux users than Mac
>>users, assuming the trend continues with any degree of accuracy).
>
>
> And assuming that happens, the OP's background in Linux will be useful
> to him. But in the world of big business in the US, most likely what
> his future employer will provide is Windows and MS Office, and at least
> with the Mac or a Wintel PC he can get MS Office (with student
> discount, only $60-$70 for the student version with three installs, at
> least at my local college) and do compatible work with both Mac and
> Wintel users.
>
> I think that'll be easier than using substitute/workaround Linux
> software instead of MS Office. There will probably be times when he'll
> be collaborating with other students in work and study, so that's
> another reason it makes sense for him to use OS X or Windows.
>
>
>>>It's just not worth the time and the effort and the consequences of
>>>using a mostly orphan desktop operating system could effect my grades
>>>and chances for internships.
>
>
>>I don't see how it could effect your grades, or chance for an
>>internship.
>
>
> Having to deal with workarounds and avoiding what his school requires
> could be a distraction. The school wants to give him OS X and Windows
> support and so I think it makes sense to accept that.
>
> But it's not like he has to marry one OS and forsake all others. He can
> still dabble in Linux. Heck, he can keep his old PC, buy a new Mac, and
> use Linux, OS X, and Windows too, if he wants to. But it'll probably be
> easiest for him to pick one of the two OS's that his school (in
> essence) requires.
>
>
>>If anything, it would reflect highly upon your personal
>>convictions and dedication.
>
>
> That's an interesting POV, but I think any student should focus on
> simplifying his life so that he can focus on schoolwork and learning
> what he's required to learn.
>
>
>>>Linux is just not worth it.
>
>
>>I disagree.
>
>
> In the OP's situation, I can see why he'd want to move to what his
> school offers.
>
> To simplify things, let's imagine that his school only supports and
> recognizes work done to be down black ballpoint pens. All assignments
> require black ballpoint pens and that's all his professors and the
> other students will use. Even if he strongly prefers blue rollerball
> pens, for the sake of being compatible with what goes on in school,
> he's smart to start using black ballpoint pens to be compatible with
> the school's needs and the requirements he needs to meet.
>
> And he can always use the blue rollerball pens in his spare time or
> wherever it's not a hassle with the school.
>
> Or say he was going to a military academy. But even if he dislikes
> uniforms, it could make sense for him to start wearing the uniform,
> given that that's what the school will want him to do and will support
> wearing uniforms.
>
> In closing, one of the nice things about Linux is that it doesn't have
> to be an either/or thing. People can still use OS X or Windows too.
>
> (snip)
>

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