linuxPCplus Member

Registered: Apr 2012 Location: Carlisle, Iowa, USA Distribution: This changes often, but currently Bodhi 2.2 Posts: 84

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Quote: 273 Originally Posted by Oddly, despite what I said above, I don't think I have a Java plugin on my PC at home. I never could get the Sun version to work in Firefox on 64 bit Debian Sid (or other 64 bit systems I can recall). I do miss it occasionally such as not being able to use pingtest.net and the odd other similar site. Only having the open source Java plugin on my netbook meant a friend was unable to use their bank's verification applet also, causing problems trying to purchase things.



As for Flash, as I always mention when this comes up, without Flash I'd have to go back to Windows. I simply rely on it for too much video to be able to give it up. As it is not having Silverlight means being locked out of Netflix* and many other things I would otherwise be using. HTML5, by the way, will never replace Flash, Silverlight, or some other plugin for movie streaming to PC as the movie and TV studios (and their MPIAA Ass's) simply will not allow non-DRM content to go to PCs, ever.



*Though there is "light at the end of the tunnel" (sorry) in that people have managed to get Netflix running on Ubuntu. The question to ask myself then is "Do I really want a Microsoft technology in my desktop OS? Is it worth it for access to more video and not begin a "dirty pirate" any more when I want to watch a movie?".

First your Java comments: I too am unable to use my mobile banking on my Linux PC with the OpenJDK plugin. It works on my Android devices, but they use the official Java. So on one hand, you can use the opensource version & be more secure, but even it will not work on all Java based applications. On the other hand, you use the official Java plugin & can use ALL Java based content, but you are now vulnerable to this security flaw. Darned if ya do, dange if ya don't.



Flash: You cant really go without flash in Windows either. You still need it for most web videos and animations. I agree, the movie studios will never allow non-drm technology to display their content. So I believe you are correct in that HTML5 will NEVER replace Flash.



Finally, youre Microsoft technology comments.

This is another area of contention for me. I am a netflix user. I also use some Windows software under Wine or Crossover. Not because I want too, I would LOVE to rid myself of ALL traces of Windows & proprietary software! But I have no choice, unless I want to close my business. For example, in my podcasts I use a windows software called Sound Byte to cue & execute sound-effects, music etc in an easy way. Linux has no alternative with the features I need. I do use Mixxx, audacity, & others for most things, but I cant cue effects with assigned hotkeys in these programs.



So for many, Wine & its bretheren is a necessary evil. At least for now. Yes, I use it & all proprietary software as little as possible. I use linux native, open-source software in every task possible. I do believe there will come a time when nobody ever has to use proprietary software because there will be an open source alternative for every existing software. But that time is not now. 273, what a great response!First your Java comments: I too am unable to use my mobile banking on my Linux PC with the OpenJDK plugin. It works on my Android devices, but they use the official Java. So on one hand, you can use the opensource version & be more secure, but even it will not work on all Java based applications. On the other hand, you use the official Java plugin & can use ALL Java based content, but you are now vulnerable to this security flaw. Darned if ya do, dange if ya don't.Flash: You cant really go without flash in Windows either. You still need it for most web videos and animations. I agree, the movie studios will never allow non-drm technology to display their content. So I believe you are correct in that HTML5 will NEVER replace Flash.Finally, youre Microsoft technology comments.This is another area of contention for me. I am a netflix user. I also use some Windows software under Wine or Crossover. Not because I want too, I would LOVE to rid myself of ALL traces of Windows & proprietary software! But I have no choice, unless I want to close my business. For example, in my podcasts I use a windows software called Sound Byte to cue & execute sound-effects, music etc in an easy way. Linux has no alternative with the features I need. I do use Mixxx, audacity, & others for most things, but I cant cue effects with assigned hotkeys in these programs.So for many, Wine & its bretheren is a necessary evil. At least for now. Yes, I use it & all proprietary software as little as possible. I use linux native, open-source software in every task possible. I do believe there will come a time when nobody ever has to use proprietary software because there will be an open source alternative for every existing software. But that time is not now. Last edited by linuxPCplus; 01-11-2013 at 10:34 AM .