OK …
THAT’S a first …
Sort of thing …
I think …
Hmmm …
Debbi, Grub, Nina … ?
Do the three of you think I should start trying to make coherent sense … ?
Yes, I should, shouldn’t I … ?
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You see, that link at the top of the page, there, is to a little news article I noticed, yesterday, on the BBC’s News websites technology pages.
About an open-source operating system called ReactOS: one that describe’s itself as a Windows NT clone.
Complete with the ability to — so it’s makers claim — use Windoze applications.
Hmmm …
That’s …
Odd.
Yeah, that’s the word, I’m thinking, here, odd.
You see, I’ve always been if not a proponent of open-software, then certainly someone’s who’s encouraged people to look at it as an alternative to Windoze.
In fact, I think in the shape of some of old friends — Tim and Dr Kevin — I’ve even managed to persuade someone to look at it as a viable alternative.
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At any rate … ?
At any rate, there’s something of a point to all this.
My point … ?
Actually, that’s a good point, there’s one in here, somewhere …
Yeah … !
My point is that I’ve always felt that there’s alternatives to the mainstream. We have both the right to make an informed decision about what software and hardware we use.
AND the responsibility to explore our options, before we make our decision about these things: not just be convinced by the salesman.
I’m also very aware that one thing limiting the uptake of many fine open-source operating systems … ? Is the simple fact that my favourite hard makers — Apple, themselves — don’t do a version of iTunes for anything other than OS X or the Windows family of OS’.
If they did a version for Ubuntu — as an example — I’m thinking the open source world would SUDDENLY get a much bigger audience.
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Which, obviously, is where something like ReactOS comes in, I’m thinking, here.
OK, I’m very aware that Mr Medvedev’s agreeing to fund the project was very much a political move. After all, the Russian government is in as much hock to Microsoft as many others are. What self respecting government wants that?
I wouldn’t, in his shoes.
But the ability to use the applications one already has, without paying money to upgrade an operating system to one run by a multinational that is, in effect, a law — and foreign power, if you will — unto itself?
I may not like the idea of a clone of Windoze: I don’t in, fact, I’d FAR rather people go exploring.
But it’s a valid an option as any other.
...No worries, you DID make sense. Eventually. ;)
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