Just to add some exciting news on the linux front.
Announcements like these are what drive me to use and promote Linux, Yabby. It's cooperation like this that moves us forward and into freedom of our computing experiences and knowledge, these are very exciting times for open source advocates. Soon Microsoft, Apple and other stalwarts will either have to join in(can't see it) or fade into insignificance.

Just imagine a device that does everything and is open to everyone to improve upon, can you see the benefits to all people?

This is really exciting :)

http://www.osnews.com/story/22875/Nokia_Intel_Merge_Moblin_Maemo_Into_MeeGo

You genuinely don't get it, do you Yabby.

>>You seem to just hate Microsoft :)<<

I did a quick shuffle through my posts here, and I cannot for the life of me see where I have said anything that gives you the impression that I hate Microsoft. In fact, I have been very careful to look at your situation entirely dispassionately - something you appear unable to do.

Where, for example, are the sneers that compare to your accusations of "tinkerers". Or the clear suggestion that anyone who disagrees with Microsoft's product strategy must by definition be filled with "hate" and "fanaticism"?

These are your words, Yabby. It amazes me that you feel it necessary to make these accusations, since you obviously owe Microsoft nothing. Where's the benefit?

The reality is that your observations on tinkering, hatred and fanaticism reflect precisely Microsoft's defensive posturing against open source software. At this level, you present indistinguishably from a Microsoft employee, drone or shill.

I am sure that you are none of these, which makes your position a little odd. Even people who have "big toys to play with" should try to keep an open mind.

>>Meantime you let us know, what you spend a year in crossing the harbour bridge won't you?<<

I use public transport, either bus or train. Neither has any bearing on my expense on software, as I would have to pay it anyway, even if I used Windows.

Or are you suggesting that the two expenses are somehow related?

Pericles

I think the answer to Yabby's curmudgeonly attitude is very simple:

He doesn't like to admit he may be wrong. Childish, yes, but nonetheless true. One can see this attitude in other threads - for example his simplistic understanding of biological and environmental factors in human behaviour.

For the same reason a religious person may cling to obviously false beliefs, Yabby needs to cling to his belief that he is superior - to admit to a mistake would bring his world crashing down.

But, that said, Yabby provides a continued source of entertainment and I wouldn't want him to change - all forums need a Yabby, keeps the rest of us sharp.

Cheers

rstuart wrote:
"The reason they only offer Windows drivers is Linux supports the device as standard since October 2008."

Hehehe! Yes rstuart, if only people understood how much tinkering is not required in Linux. If only they would just admit their lack of understanding and ask questions rather than just blindly defend a company who's sole purpose is to make money at any cost and to stifle innovation in the attempt to maintain their monopoly position.

Perhaps Yabby would like to hear from all the people shafted by the likes of HP, Brother, Lexmark, Creative and others when they fail to provide drivers for older hardware on new Windows operating systems, rendering their perfectly good hardware obsolete; thereby forcing their wallets out of their pockets again and again.

Severin wrote:
"My experience echoes that of Pericles and Rstuart, less so with Raw Mustard because I believe in recycling rather than consuming."

All my systems are recycled Severin. My argument was to show the lack of tinkering required to maintain a Linux system. A rolling release system is much easier to administer and maintain than the perpetual yearly reinstall of system, software, drivers and personal settings.
Not to mention the regular security updates to all, what a Windows nightmare that is. As you know, a simple sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude upgrade, updates the whole system including all software on Linux with no fuss and no rebooting.

My system at home/work is quite complex, encompassing many computers and devices, commercial software is just not up to the task. the tinkering would be a nightmare not to mention the costs.

At last I can catch up here, for I have been tinkering all day,
but with big toys, not office gear.

I did however give my computer guy a call and asked about Linux.
He says that so far he has no consumer call for it, because many
programmes like MYOB and others require Windows and many games simply
arn't available on Linux of Apple. He says that some people do indeed make
a hobby out of hating MS, he seems to have a point there :)

He also mentioned that if one has a problem, its difficult to find
anyone who knows much about it, wheras lots seem to know a fair
bit about MS products.

*We see the damage done to society by theses corrupt organisations and take action to stem their filth.*

Violins playing here Rawmustand, as we give you one halo, a little
tarnished :)

*I cannot for the life of me see where I have said anything that gives you the impression that I hate Microsoft*

Pericles, I was under the impression that you thought that they were ripping
you off. Perhaps you simply intensly dislike what they do.

As I have shown with my figures, I have no reason at all to think
that they are ripping me off. But then I only have a single computer,
not a fleet of them, like you do in your business. I also for the
life of me can't see any good reason to start again and learn how Openoffice
functions, when I already have my old Office 2000 doing my accounts
as I wish. Yes, that took a bit of time and tinkering to figure
out, but now its in place, I'm paying nothing extra per year and
have not, for the last 10 years.

Severin, don't ever try to make a living as a psychologist lol.
You might just go hungry.

Raw Mustard

:-)

Thank for confirming your green footprint. Excellent point with respect to supporting old hardware.

As for tinkering! Hours of my valuable time wasted on Windows maintenance: defragging, cleaning out temp files, eliminating viruses and so on.

AND

I have never faced a blue screen of death with my Linux system.

I believe in a competitive marketplace - monopolies by their nature stagnate innovation, cooperation and freedom of choice.