Open Source vs. On All Platforms?

[jmadero]

What's more important to our community. Open Source or for a company to provide its program on all platforms? Or are they equally important.

The reason I ask is because I have noticed that some companies (such as Adobe) are starting to provide native Linux versions of their software...wanted to know if people think that this is "enough" or if they should still be opening source code? So....what are the opinions out there

[darkrose0510]

If the project is open sourced, then the community can port it to any platform they want... and likely do a better/quicker job too.

[jmadero]

agreed, yet I have to say that I "support" copyright and the right to make money off of a project so if a company chooses to be closed source but guarantees on all major platforms (mac, linux and windows), I can accept that.

By support I mean, I support the general idea, not that I support the twisted BS that companies try to get away with.

[rokytnji]

I voted both are equally important and suffiecient.

I have to use a Windows propriertary software for tuning Motorcycles. There is no Linux Version, and Wine is to iffy for this software as it is a run once, dedicated to that individual bikes modules/firmware. And costs a arm and a leg and your youngest daughter.

So I would be pleased as a peach, if Linux got into this, or the manufacturer of said software had a linux version (which they don't). It could probably be reversed engineered as a friend of mine pointed out, but would take gobs of money.tools,equipment, and knowledge. Stuff I am totally lacking.

So I boot up Windows 2000 Pro when I work on bikes.

[jmadero]

rokytnji, you should check out vm if it's only one or two things that you use Windows for. I did that for XP so that I can watch netflix movies, you run the windows boot right inside of linux, runs faster than the OS on an individual partition, no need to reboot and you can easily switch between linux and windows. Virtualbox is pretty solid, I personally use VMPlayer as it supports netflix a bit better. Feel free to message me for instructions

[rokytnji]

Thanks jmadero. But I run Windows on a Hot Swap Hardrive on my Amrel RT 686 Laptop which is P500mhz, 256mb ram, ittty bittty Savage Video chip. Laptop is circa 2000. Works ok just for that one Piece of software. What kills me is telling the guy I need a couple hundred for the software. Then some more for the harnesses for the modules (Jap bikes and Harleys use different fuel injection and electronic ignition modules. Nothing is standardized. Even different year makes a difference.)

The only piece of hardware I have right now that might come close to handling VM ware is my Asus eee 900. And it is just 20 gig, running Xandros. 4 gig for /root. 16 for /home. All my other Hardware (Desktop and Laptops) are antiques compared to a lot of members rigs. Thanks for the offer though. Appreciate it.