[Dclug] Where is the free software dividend?

[Larry Howe]

On Sunday 03 December 2006 11:49, Mike Vore wrote:
> Larry Howe wrote:
> > > On Saturday 02 December 2006 12:32, Adam Morey wrote:
> >
> > Likewise with software, the environment is a huge factor. Here is where
> > Linux has the advantage. As far as I can tell, every MS product has a
> > dependency on at least one other MS product. For many companies, who have
> > already drunk the tool-aid, taking one more drink of it doesn't hurt. But
> > I think a lot of companies are starting to ask the question, why should
> > my choice of web server impact my choice of database or web browser?
>
> Package dependencies abound on Linux too! For the non-techie, try loading
> packages on Linux.  Is it easy? NO! Many packages depend on other
> libraries, and most of the documentation doesn't say where to get them. Ok,

Technical dependencies, yes, but a good package manager solves that issue, 
assuming you're not trying to go out on the bleeding edge. What I mean is 
deliberate, market-driven dependencies that are designed to force people who 
use one product to also use another product, when there is no earthly reason 
other than money. Like when MS claimed that Windows can't work unless it has 
IE bundled in it.

Larry