Linux is not windows. Most Linux users are not trying to replace all Windows boxes. We have our freedom, and are better off for it. So Josh, it does not matter that Linux will not replace Windows.

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

Yea.. um, I knew that linux was not windows.. I'm just saying that the open source and GNU movements will not accomplish much until the majority of the population actually use an open source OS. I, for one, would rather the software industry focus more on linux.. and work on converting Windows users into linux users.. However, this is certainly no easy task =p

You still don't understand. What I'm saying is that it HAS accomplished its goal. There is no problem of 'not accomplishing much'. Do you know what I am trying to say now?

It HAS NOT accomplished its goal. Sure there are plenty of open source programs, and programs under the GNU license agreement.. but, most people still rely on proprietary software. The goal was to eliminate the need for hiding source code. Programs are just like entries in an encyclopedia. If you have a closed source code then no one benefits.. the data gets outdated (metaphor= any old encyclopedia). However, if you open the source code to everyone (Wikipedia), then the program is always expanding, adding information, and updating itself without much work. The open source movement relies on the programmers to keep it going. So far, it has done rather well.. But, it is far from the long-term goal of taking over the entire industry. Once the majority of the people are using open source OS, open source programs, etc. then they will have accomplished it.

You're not getting it. You've assumed that you know the goals of the majority of the open source movement, which I don't think you do. Those may well be YOUR goals in open source, but they aren't everyone's. Unless you have something actually new to post, that's all I have to say on the matter.

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And you do know the goals to the open source movement? If so, then please link me to where these are located.. as I did not know they came up with their own mission statement and outlined goals.

http://www.gnu.org/gnu/manifesto.html

This is the best approximation for what you were looking for that I can find. I hope you find it interesting reading.

Bull crap.. they outline no long-term goals whatsoever.. The manifesto has been edited anyway since it was released..

>The OS is far from being the most important app for average users.
Because average users typically don't even know what an operating system does. This is hardly an argument for selling your search tool.

>The OS is far from being the most important app for average users.
The statement still doesn't make any sense. It's the most important software, and always will be, because every other piece of software requires the operating system to run. Whether the average user realizes this fact or not is irrelevant; that's like saying the engine isn't the most important part of the car (or wheels, battery, whatever). Just because you don't notice it while you're using it doesn't mean it's not important.

If you disagree, feel free to post a snapshot of your search tool running without an operating system.

haha.. Joe has you there, man..