[LBo] Linux vs. Windows

[Sam Morgan]

Well said Lynn!

Lynn Gallup wrote:
> Thanks to all of you for helping me with Linux command line entries, 
> jargon, etc. You have caused me to come to a realization about Linux 
> versus Windows which I believe is essential for any newbie to 
> appreciate if he or she hopes to make progress with Linux.
>  
> The design approach of Linux is philosophically different from that of 
> Windows. The gole of Linux is to leave as much control as possible in 
> the hands of the user by retaining a rich command line interface but at 
> the same time making available a few graphical packages to 
> facillitate everyday use.
>  
> The goal of Microsoft with Windows is to isolate the user from the 
> command line interface to every extent possible by making use of 
> a graphical interface essential. In this respect Microsoft 
> retains control over the configuration of Windows. This, of course, is 
> all at the expense of eliminating configuration control over the 
> operating system by the user.
>  
> The Microsoft philosophy is to gear Windows to the mass market - 
> Somewhere on a wall at Microsoft must be a picture of the user they are 
> reaching for, a little old grandmother who puts down her knitting with 
> one hand while reaching for her laptop with the other.
>  
> The Linux philosophy is geared to a very much smaller population of 
> users, those who enjoy the technical challenge presented by the computer 
> for its own sake and for being able to do whatever they wish with the 
> operating system limited only by their experience and ability.
>  
> For the Linux newbie, the proper mental attitude for approaching a 
> switch from Windows to Linux is to understand that he or she is moving 
> into an operating system which, in this context, is philosophically like 
> that of MSDOS but lightyears more advanced.
>  
> Thanks again, I'll be calling on you soon to help with yet another problem.
>  
> Regards,
> Lynn
>  
> 

-- 
God Bless,
Sam Morgan

linux the lifetime learning experience