OT Security measures 38k feet Re: [ILUG] Fwd: Modem hijacking information from UTV Internet

[Conor Wynne]

>
>
> Chris Higgins wrote:
>> The issue with the MS TCO arguments, is that they are not comparing
>> like with like - and that never works no matter how much you want it to.
> [munch...]
>
> 	I think the answer to this one is in the very naming MS (and others)
> use: TCO ... TOTAL cost of ownership.
>
> 	So they have already admitted that their shrink-wrapper products are
> not cheaper than the OSS variety (Linux ~ FREE, MS Windows XP > $0)
>
> 	So they created a magical measurement that proves that the TOTAL cost
> of ownership is less? Without including the TOTAL sum of costs that a
> business must pay for using the OS? And seem to be prepared to argue
> that certain costs should NOT be included in the TOTAL cost?
>
> 	Am I the only one that has difficulties with this? Is my command of the
> English language slipping, and/or have Collins/Oxford/Webster changed
> the definition of 'total' without informing me?
>
> 	Perhaps it's best if the world continues to take the TCO arguments from
> MS with a similar pinch of salt to that taken with a comment from a used
> car salesman that his cars are of a better quality, run faster and more
> fuel efficient and give a better driving experience to those sold by
> Cowboy Joe's car dealership down the road :-)
>
> 	YMMV, usual disclaimers apply, IANAL, etc., etc.
>
> 	Best regards,
> 	-->Gar

Even if it were true that MS products are cheaper than LINUX/OSS. Nobody
would believe it! Not even consumers!!!

If I ask my wife, the Queen of "special offers", which is cheaper:

1. Windows XP Home costing €239.67
http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/shop/db.cgi?view=1&id=5904&type=6&sid=829393x0

2. Linux, costing either nothing (Debian, Gentoo, WBEL etc etc), or €179
for  a supported enterprise linux (WS). What will be her answer?

.... Linux. So thats that then, my wife has never been wrong about
anything, so it must be true. :-0

But seriously, even If you buy Windows, you get _no_ support from MS. You
are _far_ batter off with an OEM copy, at least that way you can call tech
support. At least with linux, you actually get support, one way or
another!
With WS, the cheapest option, you get 30 days installation support.

-- 
Conor Wynne,
Dublin,
Irlande.