[ Thanks to Paul
O’Mara for this link. ]
“What is this operating system that is supposed to give
Microsoft’s {MSFT} Windows products a run for their money? Linux is
an operating system similar to the old Unix operating system.
Whereas Unix is pigeonholed primarily as an operating system for
networks, Linux plans to extend its reach beyond networks to PCs
and the attractive handheld device market as well. Linux should
successfully enter and possibly control these markets because the
Linux source code, along with most of its software, is free. Unlike
Windows, which is locked up by a single dominant player
(Microsoft), Linux is supported by a vast community of developers
who constantly work on Linux applications and improvements….”
“Besides being predominately a free operating system (some
companies create their own versions of Linux and offer support for
it), Linux is more stable, scalable, and secure than any other
operating system in computing. Unlike Microsoft’s products, Linux
does not “crash” or “freeze” frequently – making it a substantially
more stable operating system. Linux is also the best operating
system for handling large amounts of data because of its fast file
system and powerful database engines. Is Linux perfect? No, but it
is the closest thing to it right now for the market it
addresses….”
“Can Microsoft squash Linux? Many people think so, but Microsoft
has never faced anything quite like Linux. There is no single
company (like Netscape) that Microsoft can attempt to cripple with
strong arm tactics such as offering its products for free or
bundling applications. Besides, PC users should not hold their
breath waiting for Microsoft to offer Windows for free. For
simplicity’s sake, compare Microsoft to the greatest fighter in the
world. The world’s best fighter can easily beat any single person
in the world, but will eventually succumb to an amorphous mass of
people. Think of Linux as that amorphous mass of people, because
Linux is made up of numerous companies, developers, and
communities. Microsoft may be able to take out one Linux company or
developer, but another will always take its place.”