Roughly six months ago, Microsoft sent a PowerPoint presentation to electronics retailer Best Buy–ostensibly to help their employees teach customers the differences between Microsoft Windows and Linux. Linux advocates objected to what they called Microsoft’s exercise in “FUD” (“Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt“). However, taking advantage of consumer conservatism is not a sin. In fact, there is a very good reason for this conservatism. Information is expensive, and, unless people are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the new thing/way/system is more cost-effective than the old one, people are simply not willing to spend resources (not just money!) to switch.
With this in mind, Microsoft’s choice to highlight Linux’ reputation for being “of the geeks, by the geeks, and for the geeks,” is simply fair game. It isn’t Microsoft’s fault that traditionally, Linux’ focus on programmer and developer choice tends to leave most users–who tend to be ignorant of computer science–lost.
However, Microsoft’s PowerPoint presentation doesn’t just take advantage of Linux’ true or plausibly true weaknesses; instead, they often state palpable untruths–even inverting the truth. I was amazed, for example, that Microsoft had the chutzpah to claim that Windows is really safer than Linux. While it is true that Windows 7 represents a quantum advance in security from earlier versions, the fact remains that in a recent IT security convention, the Windows computer was breached (though on the last day), while the Linux (specifically, Ubuntu 7.10) computer went unbreached altogether.
One of Linux’ strong points is its stability. While Windows 7 is a vast improvement over the flaws its predecessors, for it and Vista, the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” (BSoD) is joined by a “green ribbon of death.”
My own experience seems to corroborate all this. My wife and I own two computers that dual boot Windows 7 Professional and Ubuntu 9.10. Each one is used roughly half of the time–yet, Windows 7 crashes more often.
Yes, Linux does crash! No operating system (OS) is perfect, and those whose work and play involve c0omputer “power using,” will experience a crash.
I think all Windows users have been–at least once–beset by viruses and other malware. While Linux is more secure against viruses–Smart Computing‘s Mr. Modem reports that Linux boxes are virtually virus-proof–they are not completely secure. My wife, for example, found a way to infect a Linux computer, by downloading “rogueware” (malware masquerading as an anti-virus) through Mozilla Firefox. However, I was able to clear it out by deleting and reinstalling the infected browser, then running a virus scan (Linux does have anti-viruses [ClamAV and AVG are examples.].). Try doing that with Windows! 😉
Even with all this, Free (Libre) and Open Source Software [FLOSS] advocates aren’t guiltless here! The Free Software Foundation calls Microsoft a monopoly that engages in restraint of trade, which is illegal–even criminal–in the USA. Economically speaking, the very presence of open source software like Linux is an eloquent refutation of this claim–yet, FLOSS fans continue to spread this smear.
By now, I suppose the reader is asking, “OK, Danderson, what does all this have to do with apologetics or Mormonism?” Here is my answer: The same tactics used in the computer flamewar between Microsoft and its fans and Linux and its fans mirror–precisely–the tactics used by sectarian anti-Mormons and the Latter-day Saints!
Paralleling Microsoft, not only do sectarian anti-Mormons spin legitimate LDS doctrine out of context–as I report “Finn” doing, anti-Mormons also resort to outright untruths–or complete inversions of truth, as amply demonstrated in that awful film, The God Makers. I am hard-pressed to find active members who haven’t been told that they believe that Satan is Jesus’ equal, or that they do not read the Bible (Never mind that the Church posts the entire King James Bible online, to read and study in whole or in part!), or that they pray to–and swear “bloody death oaths” to Satan in the Temple.
Like FLOSS fans, Latter-day Saints aren’t free of sin. Evangelical Protestants are no more Nicolaitans than Latter-day Saints preach working toward salvation (contra Ephesians 2:8).
As a Latter-day Saint who is a FLOSS admirer, I find Microsoft’s rants–done, admittedly, with considerable malice (They ARE Linux’ competitors, after all!)–much less offencive than the venom spewed by “Finn” and Ed Decker, and other anti-Mormons in the name of “love” for the benighted “Mormon.”
What do you think?
UPDATE: An even more recent security conference found “exploits” (security holes) in both Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard through Internet Explorer 8, Safari 4, and Mozilla Firefox 3.6. Though nothing was said about Linux being breached, since Firefox is the default browser on most “distros,” I would have to conclude that Linux is possibly also vulnerable, as my wife’s story demonstrated, above.
Hmm. I’ve never been told that I believe Satan is Jesus’ equal and that I don’t read the Bible. Other stuff, yes, but not those.
As for Linux, I was employee 14, I think, at one of the early commercial Linux companies, when I was still in college. I’m a huge UNIX geek. That’s how I make my living. And I basically agree that Microsoft is right. Look-and-feel, the user experience, and a sense of standardization have a great value. Linux isn’t for everyone, and attempts to make it that way have forever weakened the “movement”.
Not everyone should use Linux. And not everyone’s cut out for being Mormon (in this life).
Hi queno!
Well, the latter is in Decker and Hunt’s book and movie, The God Makers, as well as in Walter Martin’s anti-Mormon drivel (If they’d just confined their accusation to the charge that we misuse the Bible, we’d have less to quarrel about, and more to discuss!), among other places.
The latter charge is more complex. As some then-anti-Mormon acquaintances told me, the idea of equality is part and parcel to the scandal of our doctrine that Jesus and Satan (and we) are all siblings, with God as Father.
My answer to him was that while we all may be equally loved by God the Father, it does not mean that we are equals in any other respect. After all, our earthly fathers love us (presumably equally, though this is not always the case), but my brothers all have differing talents and levels of authority than I do. My oldest brother was mayor of the city where he lived; does that mean that I am mayor of the town where I live?
And what about families where some members are convicted felons and others are upstanding citizens with political authority; do the former have the same rights as the latter? Not unless and until the convicts get pardoned by the chief executive.
Similarly, excepting Jesus Christ, we all (including Satan and his angels!) have sinned, and thus, forfeited our birthright in the family of God. Unless and until we accept God’s pardon by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, in no way can we be said to have the standing, rights, and authority that Jesus Christ has. Even upon accepting Jesus Christ, this won’t be complete until after the resurrection [See I John 3:1-3].
Well, my acquaintances accepted my explanation–and stopped being anti-Mormons (though they still don’t buy our claim that we’re the true Church!).
As for Linux, I hope you made some good money when some of the early companies went public about ten years ago! 😉
I, too, believe that Microsoft has contributed a great service by filling a void left by some over litigious software companies (another story for another day and venue!)–just as non-LDS Christian Churches have done a great service, as I reported here: http://www.fairblog.org/2008/08/09/reevaluating-the-great-apostasy/.
On your last point, I think you are dead on. I would add, though, that both Linux and Mormonism have a place at the table, and Microsoft and non-LDS Christianity should accept that.
I think you should learn what the squiggly red line under the word ‘offencive’ may indicate.
OSX is the only true and living operating system!
Both pro-Mormon and anti-Mormon groups produce both shoddy scholarship, and solid scholarship. Both pro and anti groups are also guilty of spinning views in their favor and engaging in polemics.
You’ve carefully picked anti-Mormon sources to make your point — and demonstrated their bias.
But I’m not sure that really makes much of a point. It seems your article may be a little guilty of some of the precepts it presents.
Well, Microsoft and anti-mormons do, apparently, have a lot in common: Microsoft sells junk over-priced software that must be patched up; the anti-M folks sell junk-at-any-price research that must be patched up.
Hi Nyal!
Perhaps you should learn, um, British English…. 😉
I sometimes lapse into it–to the wife’s chagrin. Part of my education was in Europe.
Hi zamb!
You say:
This is almost but not quite spot on. I am unaware of any solid scholarship by anti-Mormons. Perhaps you could enlighten me of solid scholarship by the likes of Ed Decker, Walter Martin, or others of their ilk.
However, I am VERY aware of non-LDS Christians who’ve produced solid scholarship–many of that scholarship is used–gratefully–by Latter-day Saint scholars.
You seem to equate non-LDS Christianity with anti-Mormonism. I don’t. The latter is a very small subset of the former–and is its very worst element.
Well, they ARE biased. Their life mission is to disrupt, undermine, and, if possible, destroy the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is–by definition–in contradistinction to non-LDS Christianity as a whole. While each of the Christian denominations no doubt that some are closer to God than others, and would rejoice at members joining their group from others, I don’t believe that there is a concerted effort to destroy those others that is part-and-parcel of anti-Mormonism and other “ministries to the cults.”
I am not sure if you really understand my point–or the parallels I am using here. Let me try to make it clearer:
I compare Microsoft not to anti-Mormonism but to non-LDS Christianity. Just as the Best Buy PowerPoint is Microsoft’s worst, anti-Mormonism is non-LDS Christianity at its worst.
Overall, Microsoft makes good products–good enough to be embraced as standard. Similarly, non-LDS Christianity is mostly true–I suppose about as true as one can get, short of direct, immediate revelation from God. Its adherents who seriously practise their faith will, at worst, be in what D&C 132:17 calls a “saved condition.”
The late great champions of “traditional Christanity” are NOT, according to LDS theology, burning in hell, but rather, enjoying God’s heaven to an extent that they could never conceive in their mortal shells.
Maybe. How do I misrepresent the anti-Mormons? Which anti-Mormon has a consistent record of sound scholarship? Which anti-Mormons are careful to properly portray us?
Moreover, I think you overlooked the part where I admitted that some Latter-day Saints misrepresent other groups….
For example, I really detest some of Lynn Bryson’s diatribes! :-O
Hi Gayle!
While the Best Buy PowerPoint is reminiscent of anti-Mormons, I don’t believe that is true of Microsoft itself.
Moreover, I wouldn’t say that Microsoft is overpriced–at least not as far as most people are concerned. Since Microsoft Windows is included in the purchase of the computer, its price is, in effect, free to most users.
A better parallel to Microsoft would be non-LDS Christianity. While my position is that Linux/Mormonism is superior to Microsoft/”traditional Christianity,” the latter certainly have very nice features to which I would like to avail myself! 😉
Hi Ben!
Would you believe that I compare Mac OS X to Islam? 😉
Seriously, Macs are not unlike Linux. Linux is a clone of Unix, and one of its desktop environments, GNOME is designed to look like Mac, and Macs are Free BSD covered with its own proprietary GUI.
Perhaps we’re fellow cultists! 😉
The first 8 paragraphs of this article are the best thing I have ever read on the FAIR blog. Thumbs up!