From: "Robert Comer" 

> There's a huge range of application space where you don't actually need
much
> more than a scriptable web browser.

True...

> If I were MS I'd be undercutting Linux on the desktop, (and obviously
> charging for support...) But it's probably illegal for them to do this.

Maybe, but pricing them more competitive without "dumping" like
that would benefit both the consumers, and allow for more competition.

> It's ugly in an 'inelegant' sense.

Programming wise, I agree.

>And I think having choice of window
> managers etc  is actually a bad thing.

It can be a bad thing, but if there is enough in common that a person
wouldn't have any problems switching, it can also be a good thing, look at
Object Desktop for NT and other shell extensions like that -- it's good to
be able to choose some of the elements of a UI to make computing more
personal. There's no reason I should have to tolerate something like the
"Start" menu if I find it ugly, both in appearance and elegance
wise. (for instance -- I've always thought it was ugly and would change it
to something else if I could.)

- Bob Comer


"Paul Ranson"  wrote in message
news:3e4947da{at}w3.nls.net...
> "Robert Comer"  wrote in message
> news:3e4914cd{at}w3.nls.net...
> > Still have a problem with apps though. (availability)
>
> There's a huge range of application space where you don't actually need
much
> more than a scriptable web browser.
>
> > Other than as a reaction against Microsoft, I tend to agree, but the
> > reaction is quite strong and getting stronger -- they have made a lot of
> > enemies.
>
> If I were MS I'd be undercutting Linux on the desktop, (and obviously
> charging for support...) But it's probably illegal for them to do this.
>
> > I agree that X programming is nasty to say the least, I absolutely hate
> it,
> > but as a user only using others stuff, it's pretty much the same -- I
have
> > no problem with it and don't think it's any "uglier"
than the Windows
UI.
>
> It's ugly in an 'inelegant' sense. And I think having choice of window
> managers etc  is actually a bad thing.
>
> Paul
>

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