Enterprise open source Toolkit

Story: The problems with open source

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As I was reading this article I knew that there would be a glut of feedback accusing the author of working for Microsoft or slating his journalistic and/or intellectual integrity. Such comments are a little silly in my opinion.

The fact is that there are new Linux users that experience such things as described in the article. The author is not bashing Linux, just stating the fact that just changing the way you do something (anything) can bring a cost in terms of time and sometimes money. The same could equally be said of someone who has used Linux all his life switching to Microsoft (perish the thought!!!). I dare say those who complained most vociferously have been using Linux for a long time and don't see any of this as a problem.

Bogues simpy made the point, as I understood it, that when you are making or considering making the switch, don't assume that it will be without problems but expect that there will be some issues you will need to address. All valid and worthy of mention. Not all the issues are going to be addressed within the limited space of a single article (some assumption has to be made in writing an article that readers of the calibre of IT professionals are going to have done their own research to garner all the facts).

Unfortunately, Linux has a fair number of zealots (not among the majority of respectable Linux users and promoters) who would only have everyone believe that switching to Linux from Windows will be nothing but a walk through a rose-scented garden. This is just simply unrealistic, regardless of the various merits of Linux over Windows. Such hype will create false assumptions and expectations which could result in early disillusionment and a possibly even a swift switch back to Windows.

Had some people I know read this article before starting with Linux they would have been far less prone to frustration when things didn't seem to go as smoothly as they was led to believe by comments from certain sections of the grass-root Linux user community.

I really think some Linux users need to be less defensive and more realistic and stop taking criticisms or comments about Linux as though someone just made derogatory comments a member of their family.

(I am a Linux "fan")

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