37signals answers: why OS X, but not Linux?
Gary asks in the continuation of the topic: “Did open source help you or not?” :
In fact, there is nothing religious in our use of Open Source. We use it because it is rated higher on a scale of qualities that concern us. In the case of infrastructure software, such as web servers, databases, server operating systems, programming languages, and web frameworks, open source products are rated extremely high on this scale of qualities. So we use such products and we are in love with them.
But as far as desktop operating systems is concerned - not that much. Here too many disciplines intersect, in which programmers are usually not particularly strong and rarely reach the heights of skill. But programmers make up the overwhelming majority in the Open Source community.
')
Therefore, there is no reason to doubt that these programmers will do everything exceptionally well when they invent something for themselves or their own kind, but at the same time they are not always able to understand why iPhoto or iTunes is so great.
Thus, I tend to think that Open Source is weak when it comes to running end-user applications, which I include OS X and desktop Linux. This weakness can be overcome, but it is just very difficult.
As an example of an excellent product for the end user, Firefox is always proclaimed, but in my opinion, this is partly due to the fact that its creators simply add infrastructure innovations (compliance with specifications, developer tools, security) to the already familiar shell (unless there are many differences between Firefox and previous browsers in the user interface?).
It is interesting to note that I myself use Firefox only for development needs (mainly because of plug-ins for the developer, like Live HTTP Headers and Firebug), and for entertainment and recreation I launch Safari.
So here's what I'm trying to say: I rate OS X above on a scale of qualities that I consider important for the operating system. It should be convenient for working with mail, instant messenger, as well as for web surfing, music, pictures, office applications, etc.
In other words, I'm tied to OS X on my MacBook Pro (tight integration between hardware, software, and services is a “family attribute” of OS X excellence), but I also use Linux and FreeBSD on the server with the same pleasure.
Thanks kotty kotty for help with the translation.
Why do you use Mac OS X for your laptops, desktops and as an operating system for development, while you could work on Linux?
In fact, there is nothing religious in our use of Open Source. We use it because it is rated higher on a scale of qualities that concern us. In the case of infrastructure software, such as web servers, databases, server operating systems, programming languages, and web frameworks, open source products are rated extremely high on this scale of qualities. So we use such products and we are in love with them.
But as far as desktop operating systems is concerned - not that much. Here too many disciplines intersect, in which programmers are usually not particularly strong and rarely reach the heights of skill. But programmers make up the overwhelming majority in the Open Source community.
')
Therefore, there is no reason to doubt that these programmers will do everything exceptionally well when they invent something for themselves or their own kind, but at the same time they are not always able to understand why iPhoto or iTunes is so great.
Thus, I tend to think that Open Source is weak when it comes to running end-user applications, which I include OS X and desktop Linux. This weakness can be overcome, but it is just very difficult.
As an example of an excellent product for the end user, Firefox is always proclaimed, but in my opinion, this is partly due to the fact that its creators simply add infrastructure innovations (compliance with specifications, developer tools, security) to the already familiar shell (unless there are many differences between Firefox and previous browsers in the user interface?).
It is interesting to note that I myself use Firefox only for development needs (mainly because of plug-ins for the developer, like Live HTTP Headers and Firebug), and for entertainment and recreation I launch Safari.
So here's what I'm trying to say: I rate OS X above on a scale of qualities that I consider important for the operating system. It should be convenient for working with mail, instant messenger, as well as for web surfing, music, pictures, office applications, etc.
In other words, I'm tied to OS X on my MacBook Pro (tight integration between hardware, software, and services is a “family attribute” of OS X excellence), but I also use Linux and FreeBSD on the server with the same pleasure.
Thanks kotty kotty for help with the translation.
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/31309/
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