This just in: The WINE flu has infected on a global scale
Recently many have noted a comment made by Mark Shuttleworth in response to Canonical’s support of WINE and Microsoft Windows compatability). The community response to Shuttleworth’s comments were of mixed results. I must admit, that I agree with Shuttleworth. He stated:
(12:24:54 PM) sabdfl: we need to make a success of our own platform on our own terms |
Many already know that Apple’s Mac OS X series of operating systems is not Microsoft Windows and will not run Windows applications, they also need to understand that GNU/Linux is not Windows and cannot natively run Windows applications. Apple has gotten this far without that need for emulation and people still purchase and utilize their products. The key behind their success is all marketing; from the eye candy to the advertising. The question is, when am I going to see real advertising for GNU/Linux? When will I be able to turn on the television and right after those stupid “I am a Mac/PC” commercials, observe a GNU/Linux one?
A PC user using GNU/Linux would need to understand that this is not a cheaper alternative to run their Windows applications. Shuttleworth is correct in stating that it needs to succeed on its own terms or it will fail. GNU/Linux needs to stand up on its own two feet and be recognized for its worth. I had made this exact point in a past post. But the only way for that to ever happen is when the average PC user understands that it exists and is also not a Windows clone.
