Finland "moves to Windows, not Linux"

As this is the birth place of Linus Torvalds (and Linux), and the Inquirer has many times published news about "Finland moving to Linux" and so on, here's some news from the other side (all this in Finland).

1. State department (and all Finnish embassies around the world) will be moving to Windows Server 2003 and XP. -About 120 Servers & over 2000 desktops www.formin.fi

2. Tapiola Insurance Company. Moving to WIndows 2003 Server, Exchange 2003 & XP. -100 Servers & 3000 desktops www.tapiola.fi

3. University of Turku. Moving to Windows 2003 & XP. -4000 Servers & desktops www.utu.fi

4. FinnForest Company moving to WS2003 & Exchange 2003. www.finnforest.fi

5. Starkki (one of the biggest tool & hardware companies in Finland): WS2003 & XP www.starkki.fi

6. City of Espoo - WS2003 & XP (schools, libraries etc) -100 Servers, 2500 desktops www.espoo.fi

7. City of Pietarsaari - WS2003 & XP (schools, libraries etc) -100 servers, 800 desktops www.pietarsaari.fi

8. Valio company - WS2003 & XP -200 servers, 2000 desktops www.valio.fi

9. Nordea Bank - WS2003, XP, Office 2003 - 4000 servers, 40.000 desktops www.nordea.com

10. Lemminkäinen Company - WS2003, Exchange 2003 -servers 200, desktops 2000

These are just some that I noticed reading the latest (may 2003) MS Magazine. So you might publish these the next time you write about "Linux invading Finland - car paint shop chose Linux - over 3 desktops moved from NT 3.51 to Linux..."

And no, I don't work for MS.

Mikael Sillman, email address supplied

I found it curious the Inq decided to post an article about the NY Times scandal involving Jayson Blair. The story is interesting enough, although it shouldn't come as a surprise for many who know the Times. Blair did everything he could to concoct, falsify and mislead to get credit for his stories. Unfortunately, there is a little bit of Blair in many, if not most, within journalism.

The Inq is one of my favorites, I enjoy many of the articles (especially those written by the editor.) Regrettably, they still fall short along side many of their colleagues with a lack of objectivity, distortion and erroneous presumption.

There is a lot of power when you can influence the perceptions of so many. The staff of the Inq, typical of prevailing media attitude, enjoy this power and its accompanying (if not ruling) prestige. Its notable the editor's joy when business reps ask him for consideration to be fair. Much of their prevailing attitude is similar to a missionary complex. Its easy for the uninformed reader to get the impression there is scarcely any good coming from big business, as well as the U.S. government. Its as if they are a commissioned staff fighting for truth and justice...and in the end, becoming the one to be feared.

As time goes on and they are criticized it can be brushed off...seemingly with a smirk; or they may even give mock appearance of being just bunch of average fool-hardy writers. There can also be quick, self-righteous defense; ignoring bias, distortion and false judgment, and attacking the accuser.

It even seems a bit ironic they've chosen to report on this Times story. A while back the Inq told us about the unfair and prevailing prejudice within the American business community, supposedly falling short hiring qualified minorities. A 2001 speech by New York Times Executive Editor Howell Raines to the National Association of Black Journalists mentioned Blair, as an example of the Times' keen eye for minority talent. He was hired as part of the Times' diversity recruitment program.

Such multi cultural political correctness, sensitivity training, and diversity recruitment permeate America business and colleges. There were even serious questions about Jayson Blair very early in his 4 year career. But because of our narrow orthodoxy of identity politics; facts that challenge a preconceived, pro-diversity script get short shrift, and double standards that favor "oppressed" groups over others become the norm.

The primary goal of journalism has to be unadulterated truth. Its only mission - its only goodness and fairness - is to this selfless ideal. Given human nature and love for power and prestige...unfortunately, for most in the community this will never be achieved. Consequently, those of us in the mass audience cannot be apathetic in posture and let down our guard. If the unpretentious little guy fails, in the end everyone's rights will be in jeopardy. The prevailing truth...will become an unadulterated lie.

Steve, email address supplied