[Bush2000]

bugs are identified on a per distro basis. There are at least 100 known distros out there

And each bearing the name Linux: RedHat Linux, etc.

Linux is just a kernel. Repeat after me, Linux is just a kernel. If you don't believe me go take a look at the various projects other than OpenBeOS attempting to use the Linux kernel as the basis for a new BeOS.

Fine. You want to play that game. Windows is just a kernel, too. So I can reasonably say, by your definition, that bugs in IE and IIS are simply middleware bugs that have nothing to do with the OS.

If a bug is found in say... apache or OpenSSH. It's the fault of that development team, not the linux kernel team.

You are the one who set up that false dichotomy. I can't agree with you that those components aren't part of the OS unless you likewise agree that IIS and IE aren't part of Windows, either.

IIS is tied very closely to Windows. A lot of other Windows services such as the directory services depend on it.

You don't know what you're talking about. AD does not depend on IIS at all. You pulled that out of your rear end.

There is nothing ridiculous about going after a software vendor for bugs.

I didn't say there was. But, by the same token, don't try to avoid blame when we level the same criticisms against your sacred cows. You can't have it both ways (as much as you'd like to think so).

[dheretic]

Fine. You want to play that game. Windows is just a kernel, too. So I can reasonably say, by your definition, that bugs in IE and IIS are simply middleware bugs that have nothing to do with the OS.

Do you ever know what a kernel is?