Games

[worker201]

I think there is a strong connection between the Windows mindset and the gamer mindset. And Microsoft actually fosters that. 'Plug and Play' they say. Spend less time with setup and more time shooting aliens. Don't notice that in 4 years you'll have arthritis, and in 2 months you won't have a computer fast enough to run the good games.

Whereas Linux occasionally is the game. Modifying this file and modifying that file and updating this and building that and etcetera are FUN. It's enjoyable. I love it when I get stuck about what to do and can't figure out why such and such isn't working. First, you go to all the forums and helpsites, and ask questions. Then you try something some online article made you think of. Then, after hours, you throw up your hands in exasperation and go outside for a smoke break (or whatever non-smokers do to relax). Then, when you're out there, 10 floors down from the computer you're fretting on, it comes to you. Your brain parses the information and suddenly has the solution. You run back up 10 flights of stairs, just so you can implement that solution faster. And when it works, you scream "I'm a Golden God!!!!", to the dismay of your co-workers. But the cool thing is - you are god, for just a moment. Then it's on to the next issue.

Whereas a problem with Windows is only solveable by a restart or a clean install. Just like in a game, if you die, you go back to your last save. Or, if you really screw something up, you just start over. Less thinking and more time gaming.

Oh, sure, I've won video games before, and it feels good. But not nearly as good as being the only person in the entire Texas A&M University System to know how to use and install MB-System (an open source scientific program) feels outdamnstanding. Nothing like it in the world, not that I've seen. And knowing that I could do it again on another computer without the manuals and without tech support and without tension headaches is also a one-of-a-kind experience. Beating "The Legend of Zelda" is just as hard the fourth time as it is the first time. And it doesn't help you beat "Super Mario Brothers".

Well, I'm just yapping. It is almost 3am, so I guess it is to be expected. So I'll try to sum up. Man has been designing the computer for like 10,000 years now. And we finally have some really cool hardware available, and it can do some absoulutely amazing stuff. I think it's just sad that this ultimate product of evolution is marketed as a game machine. Especially when any schmuck who can type can get inside these thinking machines and begin to understand.

[X11]

Non smokers relax by bitching about passive smoking and that they are going to live forever while they eat more fries.

[Void Main]

Good one worker!

[Calum]

i *am* going to live forever!

Mu Hah Hah Ha Ha Ha Haaaaaa!