[NTLUG:Discuss] Microsoft direct FUD -- ignore it, neither worth your time nor energy

[Bryan J. Smith]

Wayne Dahl wrote:  
> Anyone know of a site that has specifically dealt with this whole
> page?  This is one whole page of FUD M$ has out there entitled "Get
> The Facts On Windows and Linux".  The link is...
> http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/facts/default.asp
> I've seen pieces of this page dealt with, but not all of it and it
> would be interesting to REALLY "Get The Facts On Windows and Linux".

I've given up.  Every study has its criteria set by Microsoft, often
to a Windows advantage in a certain context (e.g., staffs with 0
UNIX/Linux knowledge).  Of course Windows is going to result in a lower
TCO in 4 out of 5 apps.

And in other cases, they just don't play fair.  They use old, outdated
UNIX concepts or "stock" configurations, while allowing Microsoft to
bundle non-Microsoft "partner" products and modify Windows.  They say
they use an "independent Linux vendor" to configure the Linux systems,
but I'd _never_ hire them because they are incompetent in their design.

Best of all, Microsoft itself doesn't even run the configurations
(let alone some of their own products).

I was an original NT 3.1 beta tester.  I've been using Linux almost
as long on corporate networks as well.  Linux wins hands down on TCO
because I know both.  I haven't met many (any? ;-) people who are also
as skilled at supporting both who disagree with me either.

People will argue from their viewpoints.  Just remember, 90% of
companies are still running the IE+Outlook combination, even though
I (among many others) have labeled doing so to be _professional_
_negligence_ for the past 3+ years and have documented exactly why.

But what do I know?  I spent the early part of my career as an engineer
in aerospace where tolerance is totally redefined, and the latter parts
on major financial networks.  I just had to shake my head when non-
technical people told me we were going with Diebold Windows ATMs because
they "must be easier to use and support because they run Windows."
I used to get them everytime on the TiVo (because they assumed it ran
Windows too ;-).

That crap isn't tolerated in aerospace where engineers rule, but
apparently it will be for your money -- let alone votes -- these
days.  I've seen stuff in the past year that has scared me shitless.

-- Bryan J. Smith
   MCSA/MCSE 2000+Sec
   LPIC-2, RHCE9
   And 25 other certification that don't mean crap.

-- 
     Linux Enthusiasts call me anti-Linux.
   Windows Enthusisats call me anti-Microsoft.
 They both must be correct because I have over a
decade of experience with both in mission critical
environments, resulting in a bigotry dedicated to
 mitigating risk and focusing on technologies ...
           not products or vendors
--------------------------------------------------
Bryan J. Smith, E.I.            b.j.smith at ieee.org