Wal-Mart and Sun share Linux desktop lust (Register) [LWN.net]

Wal-Mart and Sun share Linux desktop lust (Register)

Posted Mar 27, 2004 4:24 UTC (Sat) by stock (guest, #5849)
Parent article: Wal-Mart and Sun share Linux desktop lust (Register)

If Sun Microsystems really thinks they can add the reputation of Linux as
a speedy and robust operating system and software to their slow as
molasses and absurt resources demanding Java programming software, they
are on the wrong track.

Java as a whole should be abandoned. Why? Not only is it slow as
molasses, its also resource hungry in CPU cycles and RAM requirements.

The observation that todays Computer science students start their
programming curriculem by doing Java programming courses is a dangerous
trend also. Why? If students are not being tought that efficient and
effective programming means carefully watching needed Operating System
resources in order to create the most efficient application, these same
students are lost sheep in the professional programmer arena. A Java
cert. only means one can create a nice looking demo application. Exactly
there stops the real-world practice and use of Java applications.

For instance, Compaq proliant servers have always been supplied together
with a SmartStart cd-rom kit to get these machines configured and ready
for installing the OS of choice. SmartStart used to be a tuned lean win95
OS and application. However since SmartStart is called HP Server
Essentials, which basicly is a Linux OS with on top a Java program, the
SmartStart thing was basicly ruined and degraded to a buggy semi-hobby
quality server config-tool. We all know Linux is ok, but the Java part
really misses the essential quality from the old recommended SmartStart
cdrom.

So my take on Java : Either make Java open source, so it can be fixed on
numerous issues, most important speed and performance, or if not, make
sure Java goes away.

Robert

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Wal-Mart and Sun share Linux desktop lust (Register)

Posted Jul 9, 2004 13:56 UTC (Fri) by developed (guest, #22928) [Link]

Looks like a lot of ranting by many and hardly any really know what they are talking about. Sun also contributes quite a bit to the community, and all they get is flack from people not interested in the facts. I especially like the comments about java is slow, java eats resources, etc etc. Most linux windows managers eat up resources.

As far as CPU cycles and RAM go, I guess you have to write good code to get good results. I don't care what language you are using. There are circumstances where C has advantages over java and vice versa.

What's the real point with all the ranting? Seems like a lot of hating in the community any more. It's kind of disgusting. They call it the Sun Java Desktop because of the features it has which are only possible because of the JVM integration. They also have a fully remote management system. Maybe reading a little would help with the lack of knowledge about the system.

Of course there is marketing. What about IBM, Toshiba, Oracle, Dell? They have all done it. I have no issue with it. Most of these companies that everyone likes to talk trash about are the ones really giving us the alternative. Without the companies many of the distros that exist today would not have full time developers working on them. I think we need to think more clearly about the real issues.

I wonder how many which have written in reply to the post have contributed to an open source project. Downloaded, installing, and simply using doesn't count.

That's all I have to say. It's no wonder my faith in man's intelligence and decency is dwindling. Quit complaining and do something constructive and useful.