“It is interesting that critics of Linux tend to exaggerate
the potential for Linux to fragment as an argument against the
open-source operating system. They usually point to the number
of unique Linux distributions as evidence, because there are
occasional incompatibilities among them.”
“Regardless of the distribution you pick, all of the
incompatibilities of which I am aware can be solved without
switching distributions. But their point is still well-taken. Linux
distributors need to agree upon a standard API, among other
things….”
“This multitude of distributors gives Linux something that is
entirely lacking in the Windows world: operating system
competition. That’s why Windows is moving forward (and some would
argue backward) at a snail’s pace. But the competition among Linux
distributions is speeding the evolution of Linux at a phenomenal
rate.”