> I want others to have access to UNIX, the best OS in the world, just like I had the opportunity.

Thankfully, there are several alternative free unix-like operating systems these days. Are they are popular as Linux? Do they have as much big business/corp backing as Linux? No and No. However, if Linux implodes there are great alternatives these days. I personally use and quite enjoy FreeBSD. ymmv.

* Linux (topic of discussion) * BSD derivatives: * FreeBSD / NetBSD / OpenBSD / DragonFlyBSD * Illumos (opensolaris) derivatives * SmartOS / OmniOS / OpenIndiana * Minix * more[1]

[1]: [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_operating_systems#Unix...

I agree completely, those operating systems are great, as good or better than GNU/Linux. But with that phrase I was thinking people without prior experience, like Windows users, FreeBSD install is fairly involved for them, there's PC-BSD, but it seems to me, distros like Mint are easier for beginners and useful as a stepping stone to those OSs.

I think Linux has an edge in driver support, and corp vendors -- especially for gaming with things like Steam.

I really like some of the things the pc-bsd folks are doing though. Lumina seems to be coming along nicely.

> I think Linux has an edge in driver support, and corp vendors -- especially for gaming with things like Steam.

Still, remember when using linux meant compiling the kernel ten times, editing some .c file, changing some obscure flag. And then you needed to open that .doc, .ppt or use msn messenger. You tried dual booting, but windows kept rewriting the bootloader...

Now, with VMs and tech like PCI pass-through this is just SO easy, that issue is less relevant and will result in more popularity for other OSs and a reversing of the consolidation trend.

You think the systemd debate is bad? The same people who made systemd intend to totally change the way the entire system works, way past just services.

See: http://0pointer.net/blog/revisiting-how-we-put-together-linu...

Kiss goodbye to what you knew; it may be going the way of the dodo.

Remember what happened to ReiserFS? Despite what you are saying being FUD it's not entirely unreasonable.

> You think the systemd debate is bad?

I think the debate is good and necessary, I don't like any software imposed without a debate.

Yes, I know, I was referencing partly that. Again, my position may be shocking to you: 1) I like change 2) I use a dozen init systems (!), each for a different situation, and I'm interested in keeping it that way.

You'll also be surprised to know that I use varios OSs! Never used ReiserFS, though.