The 'killer' linux ....Ships AHOY!.

Everyone uses the "car" analogy. Expecting Linux to someday ZOOM ahead of the pack and leave the likes of MS and Apple in the dust on the track. This mental approach doesn't always do it for people and they get discouraged because of the mindset like that they walked in with.

Think not of Linux acceptance in the larger world as a race car, zooming it's way to the front of the pack, weaving and accelerating to out-distance and out-maneuver it's competitors.

Instead, think of Linux advancement as a 'Super" ship. It moves steadily, progressively, determinedly and un-stoppably over the ocean. It wends it way through iceberg fields crushing the little ones that get in the way, maneuvering past those that are too big and bulky.

Always mindful, never failing, to stop and pick up survivors of those notorious speedboat crashes and capsizes. The Linux supership rescues those who wish to be rescued, offering them new life onboard.

Sure, they handle crew assignments a little differently from other ships folks have served on. They use different names for parts of the ship than some are used to calling it. Anyone who has been a sailor and served on ships from various countries and places knows this experience. Learning and relearning different words and ways, but a ship is a ship and as long as one keeps their mind open and their wits about, will be successful.

As more and more rescued people climb aboard, new ships are added, making a fleet. Some Linux ships have different colors and are built for different tasks. There are the 'Server' ships, which may not be as 'pretty" but are as solid and 'shipshape' as one might ever hope for a ship to be.

Then there are the luxury cruise ships, made to make life pleasant and attractive, sleek and cutting edge, fast and efficient. Lot's of entertainment and user amenities aboard.

The fleet grows and grows. Traveling together, yet each playing it's own role. The crew ARE the guests. Everyone comes aboard for a free test ride or is rescued and given relief and aid.

Over time, in appreciation for the attention and care they receive, each guest pays however they can on board. Some pay with money to stay aboard , preferring to just enjoy the ride, which is fine. Others sign up for a "mixed ticket", where they can stay on board in exchange for working a shift as well. Lot's of ways to mix it up and be part of the action on a Linux ship. No one is forced to wear a vest, it is recommended, but never forced. On board the Linux ships, it's every sailor for himself, so to speak. There are suggestions and real big warning signs everywhere, but it's up to you.

There are Ships out there right now that are HUGE. They dominate the computer seas with a couple of enormous, "all-in-one" ships. When we see these ships in person, sometimes people see the extravagant parties and entertainment on the ships decks and think "WOW, that's some serious partying." Then as they watch, they see the guests are trapped. Forced to wear life vests all the time. Never allowed to leave the party decks unless it's to work in the provided rooms where business travelers pay for extra services. These folks are paying to cruise, be attended too, but are not getting the "full" sailing experience. They only see the part of the ship the Captains allow them to see.

Come aboard. Pick your ship and set sail for life on the oceans of the computer world. We always have room for new folks, we'll just build another ship.