[mdlug] Linux push an economic phenomanon?

[Aaron Kulkis]

Michael Rudas wrote:
> --- Art Dries wrote:
>> I'm trying 2 reason out how this grassroots effort
>> is considered mainstream now. Could it be that
>> a slow economy, increasing cost of proprietary software,
>> and an abundance of cheap hardware made it an
>> obvious choice? Or is there a less cynical reason?
> 
> Most  of the above can be explained as a "race to the bottom"--plus,
> we are witnessing the rise of ubiquitous computing.  2011 will mark a
> turning point in the decline of desktop computing and the rapid
> expansion of tablets, smartphones, and smart appliances--a market that
> neither Microsoft nor Intel will be able to dominate (witness the
> Windows Phone 7 debacle and the "Windows on ARM" vaporware).  Even
> Apple is likely to be overwhelmed, eventually (good riddance).


I was a BIG Apple fan before the introduction of the Mac.

What I saw demonstrated at Purdue, BY AN APPLE REP, and
TO A VERY TECHNICALLY SAVVY audience, was an utter and
complete backlash against the extremely open, third-party
and tinkerer-friendly concept of the Apple II, ][+, //e line,
replaced with a new concept of maniacal control to the
detriment of users.  #1 -- complete lack of ANY programming
tools (not even Apple BASIC). #2 -- the abandonment of the
easily accessible card slots of the previous Apple lines,
replaced by a closed chassis which required the equivalent
of partial disassembly of a TV set, just for the purpose
of gaining access to card slots.

At that point, I turned by back on Apple, and have never
yet seen a convincing reason to come back.

As Reagan said about his change of party affiliations,
"I didn't leave the Democratic Party; they left me."