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Xref: sserve comp.os.386bsd.misc:2289 comp.os.linux.misc:12671 Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!harbinger.cc.monash.edu.au!msuinfo!agate!ames!hookup!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nwnexus!zaphod.usin.com!zaphod.usin.com!not-for-mail From: cgreen@usin.com (Cliff Green) Newsgroups: comp.os.386bsd.misc,comp.os.linux.misc Subject: Re: Impressions: FreeBSD vs Linux Date: 8 Apr 1994 11:10:01 -0700 Organization: U.S. Intelco Networks Inc. Lines: 29 Message-ID: <2o46lp$fqs@zaphod.usin.com> References: <2nq530$7hh@hecate.umd.edu> <2o2gsu$pmv@cleese.apana.org.au> NNTP-Posting-Host: zaphod.usin.com newton@cleese.apana.org.au (Mark Newton) writes: >... I tell them that the reason it's taking so >long is that the vast majority of people who use BSD are doing so because >they can't stand the sight of a C> prompt and want to use a real operating >system. >They usually don't see the joke. :-) >I think the rapidity with which Linux's dosemu has developed is due to >the fact that most Linux people are DOSers who have been convered to UNIX. >By and large, BSD types seem to be UNIX people who wouldn't even consider >running DOS in the first place, let along emulating it. I partially agree, but I think you're looking at it from purely a 'techie' point of view and missing a major reason. Which is: the reason that DOS emulators are needed and used are because of the wealth of good, useful software written for DOS (and MS Windows). I personally think that DOS is an abomination and it's shameful that it is considered an operating system :-), but most of my productive work at home is done on DOS/MS Windows software (e.g. Borland C++, WordPerfect, Compuserve Info Mgr, Simply Money, Packrat, Tax something-or-other, etc.). I use whatever tool/application is appropriate for my needs (and budget), regardless of what I think of the underlying technology (I would love to see comparable software at comparable prices running under Linux). Until the Linux world (and Unix in general) can get enough of a critical mass for these kind of cheap, useful personal applications, there will be a need for DOS emulation. Cliff