9/20 Reading Notes

Linux
     My brother-in-law wanted to build me a Linux-run computer, but never got around to it.  Great story, right?
     I think part of the appeal of Linux is the community that has developed around it.  Only Mac users are more fiercely devoted to their machines, though I suspect that has more to do with popular image than anything.  Linux devotees seem to be loyal not only to their operating format, but to the idea of self-made or almost subversive computing.  Linux makes the uncool kids feel cool; like they're getting away with something that we squares don't understand, because we still buy our software.
     I like that there is an operating system that is mostly free of the politics of the market, and that hobbyists have made every bit as good as the commercial industry leaders.

Mac OS X
     I'm amazed that mac has managed to stay so exclusive in their software for so long.  They don't seem to easily play well with other developers' products, yet they maintain a high price-point.  This article did not sell me on OS X, but it is interesting to see an unbiased report comparing operating systems.

Windows
      I always assumed that new versions of Windows came out so regularly to dupe us into buying the updated software.  It seemed almost cruel to force businesses, hospitals and schools to invest in and adopt new pc infrastructure every  two years....
      I don't expect the newest version of Windows to behave (for a novice) any differently than its predecessor, but maybe (aside from shrewd marketing) Microsoft had some good excuses for rolling out  updated operating systems so often: 1. technology really had significantly advanced, 2.  its competitors were right there with them,  3. they had a vested interest in keeping their clientele trained in their most recent versions, and 4. people were willing to pay for it.
       The strength of Windows may be that so many firms compete to build software for it, keeping the field competitive.  Mac,by comparison, is mostly closed to other firms, and I feel like I would need a computer science degree to get the most out of Linux (or a less social high school experience).