What is wrong with asking for support ? (Score 1)

This is my first /. post ever. Normally I just lurk.

I just can't comprehend this "Mandrake is a newbie/for profit
outfit, so if they go under, they deserve to" attitude.

I have used Linux since kernel version 1.1. I owe my career to
it. I have ported it to a couple of research simulators. I think
I know enough about it to not be called a newbie.

There are machines on which I want to write/control everything,
starting from the first instruction in boot rom. And there are
machines on which I want things to just work and not have to
bother with the details. My main development machine runs
Mandrake, and it definitely falls in the latter category.

I also use a Solaris machine. Linux doesn't yet do very well when
it comes to VLSI design tools. And my "PC" if I may call it that
runs MacOS X. I don't see a conflict in that. Every one of these
OSs has its use.

Mandrake serves a useful function to me, as it does to several
thousands of others. It makes my life easier and more
productive. Whether it is for profit or newbieish is
irrelevant. Whether their business model is sound or not is none
of my business either. They serve me a useful purpose and I am
willing to shell out the cash -- though I am back in grad school
and don't have much of it.

Anything which makes life more pleasant deserves a chance.
Whether they did it for profit or not does not matter. Send in
the spare $$$. Have a nice tomorrow!