Linux Mint downloads (briefly) compromised

>>You're absolutely right, but missing the point

> Well, I think you are.

I rather doubt that, since I was referring to the point *I* was trying to make in my previous post. But, for the record, I've made no comment on the practical importance of ensuring licensing legalities. I totally agree with your concerns in this area. Every distribution should be legally sound, including Linux Mint, but that doesn't magically become something end users are aware of as an issue, much less checking for. Chances are that Microsoft has some licensing problems too, but I simply assume that Windows is a fully legal alternative.

>> Most potential end users don't even realize there is a licensing issue, just as they
>> don't realize that they may not be getting the best software update management solution

> Which is why it is important to educate users rather than ignoring it. This is LWN after all.

I don't disagree and perhaps non-developers shouldn't speak up on LWN. But, as end users who are not developers nor FOSS activists, do not be surprised when we aren't moved by the education we weren't seeking and the rants telling us why your distribution is technically superior to the popular one that meets our needs/wants.

> It is fine to ask distributions to understand consumer desktop user needs better if that is the target of the distribution (many if
> not most distributions aren't) but there are limitations to what can be done.

And so we come to the point. Linux Mint appeals to so many people because it does seem to be targeting consumer desktop users and in many ways is actually getting it right (from the perspective of the users, of course). What I hear from the Debian/FOSS detractors goes something like "Hey, stupid end user! You shouldn't prefer Linux Mint over Debian. Debian is better technically, better legally, better morally, and just generally awesome by every measure that we developers/activists care about. Okay, so it doesn't meet your wants/needs, but it's not meant for you anyway because you're not special". What am I supposed to do with that?!? It's simple, if you're trying to meet the needs of the sort of people attracted to Linux Mint, then start putting some effort in, including addressing those limitations so that people who need/want the infernal Adobe flash player have a way of getting it both legally and easily. If you're not, then stop comparing the Linux Mint apple to the Debian orange. At this point in time, I've got a variety of complaints about Linux Mint, as it's far from perfect, but I'm not aware of a better alternative and Debian promoters aren't helping.