Linux

[Persky, Ken]

Ok, I don't know if I am reposting this because my mail client died a
horrible death on Tuesday and I am just now receiving messages from the
list. So, I don't know if this has made it to the list.  If it has, sorry
for the multiple posting.
.........

Let me start off by saying that while I am new to Linux, I have really
enjoyed 
my experiences with it so far.  As I have gotten more and more informed
about 
Linux and open source software over the past months I have had a question
lingering in 
my mind about the open source model.  
I recall the browser wars between Netscape and ms and how ms was vilified
for 
giving away IE for free in an attempt to shutdown Netscape.  I am wondering 
isn't OSS doing the exact same thing, i.e. producing open, free software, 
which is attempting to taking market share away from MS?  I mean the OS
itself is freely available and many products like open office are as well.
Therefore, isn't it true that by promoting Linux and OSS the OSS community
is doing the exact same thing that MS 
did to Netscape? 
Am I way off base here?  Don't get me wrong, I think Linux is 
the greatest thing since sliced bread, but does anyone have a thoughts on 
how a Linux advocate should respond to such accusations.

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