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Technology Stocks : Discuss Year 2000 Issues -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jim who wrote (5189)	3/31/1999 11:48:00 PM
From: David Eddy	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9818

Jim - Linux is simply a cut down version of UNIX. There are MANY systems written in UNIX which will work with Linux. But this is speaking as though UNIX is a single operating system. A few years back, several of the Unix players attempted to join together to attempt to standardize Unix. They formed an outfit called the OSF (Open Software Foundation). I remember the president of OSF stating that Unix was in fact at least 108 different variants. Part II I have a Unix heavy friend with whom I debate systems administration issues from time-to-time. While I use Macintosh now (I want to drive, not tinker), I used to know MVS (IBM's flagship OS). Out of the blue one day my friend confessd that he was finally convinced that Unix would never make it as a commercial operating system because there were just too many variants. - David

To: Jim who wrote (5189)	4/1/1999 10:26:00 AM
From: Bill Ounce	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 9818

re: Linux, you may be missing the point >>>Linux is simply a cut down version of UNIX. There are MANY systems written in UNIX which will work with Linux.<<< You may be missing the point. Linux does appear "stripped down" in comparison to Sun Solaris (the best selling Unix), but its main point is open source code. In regards to Y2K, this is a huge advantage because you can fix things immediately without waiting for vendors to eventually get around to fixing it. You are no longer held hostage by the vendor. The rest of this post is off-topic in regards to Y2K, but is hopefully helpful to those just starting to think about Linux. The power of the open source model is that anyone with enough interest and smarts can add features and submit them to future version of the operating system. This has resulted in tons of open standards protocols added to Linux. Today with Linux you can have a network of machines without being forced to use proprietary (and expensive (and yes buggy)) stuff from Microsoft, Novell and IBM. If there is a bug, you can fix it yourself, or more likely get a fix from the gurus that choose to eat, drink and sleep this stuff. The fallout from all this is more money to spend on software worth paying for to run on the Linux machine. Clue Train Manifesto Linux (plus Apache Web Server, Netscape Navigator and LDAP) are prime examples of stuff that fits in well with the ClueTrain manifesto (http://www.cluetrain.com) This manifesto may be a bit controversial/extreame, but has some real gems. A few examples of these follow: 11. People in networked markets have figured out that they get far better information and support from one another than from vendors. So much for corporate rhetoric about adding value to commoditized products. 12. There are no secrets. The networked market knows more than companies do about their own products. And whether the news is good or bad, they tell everyone. 20. Companies need to realize their markets are often laughing. At them. 26. Public Relations does not relate to the public. Companies are deeply afraid of their markets. 30. Brand loyalty is the corporate version of going steady, but the breakup is inevitable^Wand coming fast. Because they are networked, smart markets are able to renegotiate relationships with blinding speed. 72. We like this new marketplace much better. In fact, we are creating it. 76. We've got some ideas for you too: some new tools we need, some better service. Stuff we'd be willing to pay for. Got a minute? 77. You're too busy "doing business" to answer our email? Oh gosh, sorry, gee, we'll come back later. Maybe. 92. Companies are spending billions of dollars on Y2K. Why can't they hear this market timebomb ticking? The stakes are even higher.