Shamus made a somewhat dark post here. He’s pretty much talking about how future PCs will be equipped with user-hating DRM chips, and how our future computing will be badly ruined by them. Now that I know this, I try to stay calm. And I advise that you do, too.
The reason from my calmness come from, as Shamus pictured, the end of the spectrum. The open source activist, software freedom fighter, Linuxers, and pretty much all open source programmer.
By the time the actual scheme unveiled, I’ll be ready with my OpenSuse/Fedora Install DVD and haul away with Linux to sunset. I might even actually grow a beard.
This, of course, is not a solution to everyone. I still see around 1:20 ratio between Linux and Windows user, counting pirated Windows. And I’m talking about the Information and technology community (my campus). I’m pretty sure the ratio in general public is pretty much the same to worse.
But to people who use computer just for basic task, like browsing, or office work, or even image and music processing, Linux is pretty much ready to accommodate them. It means that most home users can migrate to Linux easily, they just need a little time learning.
Gamers, though, are not that lucky. Most All of the big games are released on Windows platform, maybe Apple sometimes, but Windows nonetheless is still the choice for gamers. Linux games are growing nicely, but it is still far away from actually competing in the same playground with Windows.
Sure, there are Cedega and Crossover in Linux, maybe Wine for those hardcore Linux user, but they are still too buggy to use on regular basis. They are truly nice development steps, though, those who are desperate to play games on Sabayon or something should try them.
All in all, I’m basically ready to avoid the worst when it comes, I’ll just barricade the kitchen, and hide under the table with a loaded shotgun….
Wait, that’s not right.
I mean I’ll just jump into Linux. I’m pretty sure when there are enough gamers making the jump, the gaming part will sort itself.
