Does Open Source Software Really Work?

reflexreaction writes "This article on NewsFactor does a decent job of covering some of the issues facing Open Source Software (OSS). It points to Linux's growth area, non-mission critical projects in mid-sized companies, and its main weakness, the desktop. It also briefly discusses Linux's potential growth into mission critical applications if scalability issues are addressed. Quick easy read. My favorite quote from the article "Linux on the desktop is toast.""

Does Open Source Software Really Work?

[Anonymous Coward]

(Score:-1,Flamebait)

Re:Toast?

[Salsaman]

I just this week installed Mandrake 8.2 on my machine. If linux on the desktop is toast, then it's nicely browned toast with lots of butter and strawberry jam :-)

Re:oss vs non-oss

[Corporate Troll]

Oh, but that's just a marketing problem. Instead of calling it "Linux/unstable" call it "Linux CE" (Linux Cutting Edge)...you'll see everyone flocking to Linux from there on!

"the problem with linux is..."

[Anonymous Coward]

If your comment starts with "the problem with linux is" then *you're* the problem because Linux doesn't have a problem it is made by geeks for geeks give it or take it but don't put marketing into the equation because it isn't code and linux is code under the GPL so don't give me crap about linux not ready for the desktop because linux doesn't care linus doesn't care no one cares except those who don't understand what that this is all about empowering users to a new paradigm that cannot be put side by side on a scale with proprietary alternative because linux doesn't fit on a scale it is code to be runned for a direct purpose that goes beyond mere comparison with alternatives and microsoft and stuff I just doesn't make sense to force the issue like some people are doing since no one can claim that linux was designed to take over the world initially while it may be on that path currently it remains to be seen whether OSS can compete in an arena controlled my money and dominated by people who have been top company execs for ages so they know their ball game and they know their turf unlike linux which is like the new kind on the block heck linus doesn't even wear a mustache so how in blue hell can anyone claim that you can compare apple and oranges while keeping a straight face and claiming purported weaknesses on the desktop but doing ok in mission critical application were scalability issues need to be addressed so I think that the point is moot and that the article is too quick and too easy to read compared to the stuff I write because when I write it never stops to be interesting especially when I write about linux and issues facing open source software because not everyone knows how to discuss these things without a single period or coma amen.

No open source, please, we're British

[DarklordJonnyDigital]

Open source is a really nifty system. The programmers get buckets of free help, beta testing and distribution, the users get limitless free-as-in-beer [megatokyo.com] software and Bill Gates gets one less ivory back scratcher every time a thousand copies of Linux [linux.com] are sold. Everyone's a winner.

Still, a couple of programmers I've spoken to say are actually against Open Source. They argue since they spend hours coding, debugging and maintaining a program, shouldn't they be allowed to make an honest buck in return? I guess that's their decision, and ya just gotta respect it - some want the money, others just want to help create nice software for everyone.

And what if you don't like b33r? What if you're a teetotaler, a recovering alcoholic or a PHP hack [aagh.net]? Can I create software that's free as in Coca-cola instead?

Does open source software really work?

[Treeluvinhippy]

Well linux seems to be working and so is Mozilla.

Lets try XMMS...well it's playing music so I guess it's working.

Clicked the Gimp icon. Wow! Look at all the colors I can play with.

Well it seems OSS is working just fine. Is this a trick question or something?

Re:No open source, please, we're British

[sql*kitten]

I guess that's their decision, and ya just gotta respect it - some want the money, others just want to help create nice software for everyone.

I see that you're a full time student... but pretty soon, you will realize that in the real world, people need money. Not to flame you, but until someone cracks the problem of making actual cash money, you know, the stuff that buys groceries and houses and cars (spending venture capital is not making money) then there will be no open source industry.

Let me give you an example. ESR drives his pickup truck to the nearest small town (he lives in a log cabin in the woods for the purpose of this story) to pick up some oatmeal, beef jerky, tinned beans and this month's Guns & Brides magazine. But since the NASDAQ crash, he's a little short of money, so he says to the cashier, hey, I wrote a tiny part of the OS that runs your cash register, can I just take this stuff for free? Ummm, no, says the clerk, pushing the button connected to the local Sherriff's office.

See, that why wanting to help create nice software doesn't cut it in the real world. Sorry to have to be the one to break it to ya, kid.

Re:Perhaps qualification of the quote is in order?

[nagora]

I am proud to stand as one of them, and will continue to use an operating system which gives me the freedom to do what I want with my computer.

By Gad, sir! You stir the emotions! If only we had some music to play. I don't know if a room full of geeks would stand at the sound of "P-P-P-Pick up a P-P-P-Penguin", but I can't think of anything else appropriate.

TWW