"BadVista.org": FSF launches campaign against Microsoft Vista [LWN.net]

"BadVista.org": FSF launches campaign against Microsoft Vista

Posted Dec 16, 2006 11:41 UTC (Sat) by tclark (guest, #32451)
In reply to: "BadVista.org": FSF launches campaign against Microsoft Vista by danieldk
Parent article: "BadVista.org": FSF launches campaign against Microsoft Vista

My views on this are mixed. I would prefer to talk about the merits of Linux and free software, and this must remain the primary message. But I do sometimes talk with Windows users who are considering Vista, and it would be helpful to have some information about why they should avoid it.

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"BadVista.org": FSF launches campaign against Microsoft Vista

Posted Dec 16, 2006 12:29 UTC (Sat) by danieldk (subscriber, #27876) [Link]

I agree, there is nothing wrong with helping others with some good advise. But starting an anti-Vista site is something different IMO. It only reinforces the idea that free software supporters are unreasonable zealots. Most of us are not :^).

More general campaigns (like DefectiveByDesign.org) that emphasize the disadvantages of restrictive technology feel a lot more sympathetic.

Technical merits

Posted Dec 16, 2006 13:13 UTC (Sat) by man_ls (subscriber, #15091) [Link]

I agree, but sticking just with technical merits is dangerous. There are lots of areas where proprietary software is better than free software; sometimes (as with playing DVDs or MP3s), free software cannot get there without transforming itself into proprietary software -- or changing the legal landscape.

In other aspects, like security, centering on the relative merits of free software can make us engage in a nonsensical battle about who is worse (more insecure). Think IE and Firefox. I fear this may happen with Vista.

Then there are some places where proprietary software cannot go: free software can be distributed freely, you can adapt it to your needs, you can run it as you like, or change suppliers; you know exactly what it does, and formats are open by default. These are the real winners for free software: centering on these merits you cannot lose.