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Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

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Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#13
Considering recent developments like stuxnet worm, Chinese cyber attacks, the fact that cyber crime was one of the main topics discussed during latest NATO summit I think its more about strategy and security than about money.

Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#14
post #5

Bill Gates is probably getting onto a plane for Russia about now, to make Putin an "philanthropic" offer he can't refuse. That's usually how it goes.

Hm... Ballmer just came back (November) from Russia after making quite an offer, yet it didn't seem to help: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/ballmer-vows-...

Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#15
post #7

There have been numerous attempts to move to open source in Russia. Most of them failed. Example: Linux in schools. 1. Teachers don't know much about linux 2. Computers aren't fast enough to work with GNOME (which is default in most packages they install) 3. Kids don't get it. Open office is the only familiar-looking application there. 4. They won't be able to apply their skills anywhere add: 5. Microsoft makes some…

A country-wide move would make Linux being learnt in school much more useful. However, if the systems used in school are low powered and using software like, say, LXDE and then moving to Compiz-powered GNOME in situations where the specs work, would anything be accomplished?

Depends if real learning happened or just point and click zombification.

Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#16
post #5

Bill Gates is probably getting onto a plane for Russia about now, to make Putin an "philanthropic" offer he can't refuse. That's usually how it goes.

Not exactly. More like the IIPA filing more complaints against Russia and keeping them on the Special 301 list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_301_Report#Complaints_b...

Bribing in Russia is a home game, so no go there. Putins plane might have a malfunction though.

Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#17
post #4

I don't think Microsoft will let that happen. In Poland such initiatives ended with Gates or Ballmer making a visit, shaking hands with few officials and jointly announcing renewed bond.

A visit from Ballmer is not required. Russia is consistently rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. I think sometimes people who haven't lived in eastern Europe don't realize how pervasive corruption is. It's not just a few politicians at the top taking bribes - it's most of the civil service.

I can't think of any other country in the world (developed enough to have widespread IT) where it would be easier for MS to buy influence.

Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#18
post #13

Considering recent developments like stuxnet worm, Chinese cyber attacks, the fact that cyber crime was one of the main topics discussed during latest NATO summit I think its more about strategy and security than about money.

There is no doubt that this is a matter of securing important infrastructure. Had it been a money question something like the education system or the administration would be more obvious choices.

Re: Putin Orders Russian Move to GNU/Linux

#20
post #8

Putin already has enough money from gas'n'oil, he doesn't give a shit. And it's not about money, it's about power. Talking bout piracy - there is majority of illegal software in business, universities and schools. Not to mention homes. I'm talking about Windows, Office, Photoshop, Games. Even the biggest Russian social network (vKontakte) is currently largest unlicensed mp3/video storage. I always wondered, what they…

What exactly do you bribe a guy estimated to have 40 billion in liquid assets with? It's funny because I am sure a corrupt Russian politician must have a strange existential crisis when they get that much money. It's like that guy who built the $300 million dollar custom yacht because you literally can't spend that much money on a house if you tried. There's this website EnglishRussia.com where they have regular features on $500,000 Bentley's that have been abandoned in a ditch somewhere. It seems these corrupt politicians have all this money and don't know what to do with it all and are just buying expensive cars and crashing them in some sort of nihilistic denial that there is any other point to life than acquiring loot.
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