IF Computer Operating Systems
Were Airlines
UNIX Airways
Everyone brings one piece of the plane along
when they come to the airport. They all go out on the runway and put the plane together
piece by piece, arguing non-stop about what kind of plane
they are supposed to be building.
Air DOS
Everybody pushes the airplane until it glides,
then they jump on and let the plane coast until it hits the ground again. Then they push
again, jump on again, and so on ...
Mac Airlines
All the stewards, captains, baggage handlers,
and ticket agents look and act exactly the same. Every time you ask questions about
details, you are gently but firmly told that you don't need to know, don't want to know,
and everything will be done for you without your ever having to know, so just shut up.
Windows Air
The terminal is pretty and colorful, with
friendly stewards, easy baggage check and boarding, and a smooth take-off. After about 10
minutes in the air, the plane explodes with no warning whatsoever.
Windows NT Air
Just like Windows Air, but costs more, uses
much bigger planes, and takes out all the other aircraft within a 40-mile radius when it
explodes.
Linux Air
Disgruntled employees of all the other OS
airlines decide to start their own airline. They build the planes, ticket counters, and
pave the runways themselves. They charge a small fee to cover the cost of printing the
ticket, but you can also download and print the ticket yourself. When you board the plane,
you are given a seat, four bolts, a wrench and a copy of the seat-HOWTO.html. Once
settled, the fully adjustable seat is very comfortable, the plan leaves and arrives on
time without a single problem, the in-flight meal is wonderful. You try to tell customers
of the other airlines about the great trip, but all they can say is, "You had to do
what with the seat?"
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