[KLUG Members] What makes Linux great?

[Adam Williams]

> Microsoft sees Linux as their second greatest threat.  The first
> was the poor economy, so Linux may be #1 by this point.  The
> point is that Linux is the target they're training their guns on.
> Their stated intention is to make sure that no computers run Linux.
> ("Windows Everywhere" leaves little room for alternatives.)
... clipped... (not that it isn't good stuff) ...
> And they will do this by marginalizing free operating systems with
> their lies, to kill the hardware market for CPUs and BIOSes that
> run Linux:
> If you enjoy using Linux, why would you help Microsoft kill it?

First, I don't believe by responding that I would be helping M$ at all. 
They simply CAN'T (I believe) remediate any of the issues I hold against
their products -
1. price
2. really really poor support
3. even worse documentation
4. just plain bad interoperability with other systems/products
5. an upgrade treadmill
6. price
...and then there is that whole "security" thing).

Second, it is polite and fair to assist in Mr. Surkan in the aquisition
of information.  One must not become ones adversary in order to defeat
him.  M$ is NOT going to help us or assist us in solving technical or
political problems;  thats it what makes us both technically and morally
superior.  We do help just about anyone who asks, including those whose
ideal world is radically different that one "we" might imagine.  This is
"2 - support" listed above.

Third, KLUG isn't advocating that anyone answer.  We are just placing
his post out their for people to make a determination on their own.  

After some consideration, and actually see-ing what he posted.  I have
pretty much decided NOT to respond unless I see something interesting
further down the road.  Mr. Surkan's post was formulaic and he has
posted other almost identical requests for information on other LUG
lists at least as far back as 2001 (find them yourself with google). 
This is not a hallmark of sincere interest.  Also, I have have to write
to find out how to take a survey?   Do I have to meet qualifications? 
Are surveyors being "screened"?  His message leaves these as open
questions - 14 out of 14 dentist prefer Crest toothpaste, if Crest gets
to pick the 14 dentists.  At this point I don't think communicating with
Mr. Surkan is assisting anyone, and probably simply providing ammunition
for a FUD cannon.

If Mr. Surkan is interested in a discussion (which his message does not
indicate), then I would be much more interested.