The "Lindows" conundrum (New Linux *and* Windows compatible OS?)

ZDNet via Yahoo ^ | Monday October 29 08:13 AM EST | John C. Dvorak

[Rodney King]

Does it work everywhere? For example, using opera, the "breaking news" column is not completely on the screen. Do you see that sort of problem often?

[Dominic Harr]

Bill Gates promised us this back between windows 95 and windows 98.

Gates offered cross-platform computing? Are you sure? I've never heard of that . . .

Java is here, now. There was a survey out last month that showed that the majority of new software development is in Java now. It's the dominant force in software already, and has almost completely taken over corporate internal IT development. This is 'cutting edge' stuff that you won't see much of in the consumer world for a year or three. There are a few examples on the web, but they're rare.

Altho the 'Microsoft' crowd is fighting it, and Microsoft is doing the best they can to co-opt Java. Ask one of them about Java and they'll tell you so many lies it's funny -- calling it 'slow', and 'useless'. And Microsoft is making 'C#', a 'Windows-only' copy of Java.

We'll just have to see how this plays out.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

There is a 'quiet' revolution going on in software. Java has become the language of choice for new software development.

I hope you're right, but I have my doubts. I have been beating my brains out learning Java for a couple of years. The problem I am finding is that Java programs are just plain slow. JavaServer Pages are okay because the Java objects persists after first use, but Java programs just aren't as snappy as native code.

As I said, I hope you are right, but I don't think it is a certainty.

Maybe if somebody comes up with a Java compiler that will compile Java to native platform code?

[rainingred]

I use Opera sometimes. The downside is that not all of the plugins work. Yet!

[Dominic Harr]

Maybe if somebody comes up with a Java compiler that will compile Java to native platform code?

Bingo.

For the last 2 years, since Java 2 was released, the JVMs are 'JIT' (Just-in-time) compilers that compile the Java to native code. It runs just as fast as C++ for most functions.

I write Java code all day every day. The 'Java is slow' concept is years old. Like saying the Internet is slow . . .

[Publius6961]

Microsoft's risky strategy concerning pricing of Windows XP, and its onerous antitheft policing mechanisms, may become problems.

In spite of what the MS flying monkeys might say, it is already a problem.
I have yet to hear, at the user level, a single good thing about XP from anyone other than a button-pusher user. You know, the contingent who wouldn't know what to do if the plug fell out of the wall.

The feeling is intense and hostile. Most simply are waiting for someone to hack the damm anti-theft nanny and civilize it back to the pre-XP version.
That or just using the 97 version until another OS matures.

[Publius6961]

Not surprised that I have already seen "Cracks" to get around the Windows Authorization.

Care to share?

[Dominic Harr]

I have yet to hear, at the user level, a single good thing about XP from anyone other than a button-pusher user.

Yeah, something like half of the 'upgrade' installs I'm aware of have crashed the machine, and the 'tech support' wait is hours.

I'd say XP has not exactly taking the world by storm . . .

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I write Java code all day every day. The 'Java is slow' concept is years old. Like saying the Internet is slow . . .

I am happy to be corrected. Thanks.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

For the last 2 years, since Java 2 was released, the JVMs are 'JIT' (Just-in-time) compilers that compile the Java to native code.

I have been using JDK 1.3.1. Is that a JIT compiler?

[Dominic Harr]

I have been using JDK 1.3.1. Is that a JIT compiler?

The 'HotSpot' JIT compiler does come bundled with 1.3, I think. Altho I think it may not be the 'default' JVM -- but don't quote me on that.

[egarvue]

No, the opera email stinks, I stay with outlook (or Pegasus email, its pretty good and another small program)

[afraidfortherepublic]

Bump to list (tech_index).

Thank you.