Mac look alike?

[Dotan Cohen]

>> I fail to see the line you draw between "acknowledges that MSO is the
>> right tool for many jobs expected of a student" to "other operating
>> systems will appreciate my help". In any case, I do regularly
>> contribute to the mailing lists of several Linux-based operating
>> systems and I feel generally appreciated at all of them. I fail to
>> understand why you even mention it.
>
> The right tool, maybe, but OOo is an acceptable alternative, and is
> what runs on Ubuntu. If you're using MSO, you're not using Ubuntu.
> This is the Ubuntu list.
>

Acceptable to you, no doubt. To me too, for most jobs. However, the
point here is not and has never been MSO. The point is that Ubuntu
will not run common software that will run on the OS that the user
wants. Debating the merits or need of MSO is a strawman to distract
from the issue at hand.


>> You carefully edited out the rest of the question, which included
>> statements such as "But I've never used a Mac so I've no idea really
>> what she is looking at" and doubts about "things that a Mac does that
>> can be cloned". Answering partial questions is a manipulative tactic,
>> please try to present Ubuntu in an unbiased fashion as it is perfectly
>> capable of standing on it's own merits without manipulative
>> persuasion.
>
> Answering *on-topic* questions and ignoring requests for help with M$
> products is a perfectly acceptable practice in the context of this
> list.
>

I agree with this statement 100%. However, the OP never asked for help
with Microsoft products. You answered the questions that show Ubuntu
can replace certain OSX features, and did not answer the questions
who's answer was that Ubuntu cannot replace XYZ feature. That is
presenting a biased view. If your goal is to manipulate people into
using Ubuntu, then that is a fine tactic. However, if your goal is to
increase Ubuntu's userbase then you are doing the opposite of your
goal because there "potential converts" will only get a bad impression
of Ubuntu. You seem to deny the fact that Ubuntu is not fit for
everybody. Specifically, you seem to deny the possibility that Ubuntu
may not be appropriate for the OP. It may or may not be, we need more
information, but tricking his daughter into using Ubuntu when she
specifically stated that she wants a Mac is irresponsible.


>> I do not think that there is a free/libre replacement of MS Windows,
>> Solidworks, Quicken, or many other proprietary applications. I know
>> about ReactOS, various FOSS CAD tools, and GNUcash, however, none of
>> them perform all the functions of their proprietary counterparts. For
>> many users (arguably most) the FOSS replacements are good enough. But
>> not for everybody.
>
> I didn't say REPLACEMENT.
>
>> alternatives
>
> There's a very important difference: Alternatives do approximately the
> same thing, but in a different way. Replacements emulate both to a T.

So we have established that FOSS software may not provide the
functionality of some proprietary apps. I accept your strict
definitions of "replacement" and "alternative".


> There doesn't need to be a replacement for Windows, but an alternative
> is available (it's called Linux) for people who hate the system.
>

I see that we have established that you hate "the system" (presumably
Windows, but your wording is slightly ambiguous). I agree that Ubuntu
is a terrific operating system for those who hate Windows. Ubuntu is a
terrific operating system for many other reasons, too. However, that
has never been the topic of this thread.

-- 
Dotan Cohen

http://what-is-what.com
http://gibberish.co.il