And now .Net

I had actually wanted to learn java. The idea of write once and run anywhere was what I think made me decide initially that I wanted to learn java. But soon that changed. My company did not focus on the sun java platform. So that made me decide on doing .Net instead. Well, .Net is costilier that java if you want to study it...but shouldn't you have the doubt of which one to study?

I had already decided on taking the .Net course. But my research into both - java and .net - had sure made me feel a bit perplexed. I wanted to find out which one of the two is the best? It seems to me that both compete equally well. Java allows you to make applications that are platform independent, while .Net allows you to make programs for the windows os form other non-windows platforms.

Searching the internet lead me to several articles that highlighted the battle between the two companies - Sun and Microsoft. It is rumoured that .Net was Microsoft's monopoly to disable Java-based applications on Windows. ( At least I think it was like that). But there was a ruling in which Microsoft was asked to include the java run time (also called JVM - Java Virtual Machine) in their .Net packages. How far has it been implemented, I don't know; but to tell you the truth the court case was an interesting bit to read.

I have my own views about MS. Mostly negative ones. First of all its proprietary. Then on top of that they rule the market. What happened with visual basic stands to witness ms's most
inimical policies. (Thats right their policies suck, big time). But ironic isn't it? I am about to learn .Net! If vb was a major hit among the masses then why did ms have to discontinue support. Would it be overload on its employees? Then couldn't you make vb free atleast? That is quite an alternative. But I guess microsoft fears that that can lead to hacking the whole window os.

But think about me. I am some one seeking a career. Yes I feel this whole situation is twisted. I really wish fate had given me more time to make me decide on something. But I don't think I would know about what it really is. May be I should make something; create something powerful. But what?

Now when I think of Java, I know that the runtimes are not something that is free.
Free in the sense you are not able to modify it and make use of it to your maximum benefit. Hmm. So what would happen? What do you think would be the scenario if they gave us the idea about how to make the runtimes? Have they done that? I guess java might become obsolete and something else would come to replace it. But I don't really know. But I guess this might also be true. Making JVM for Linux was easier compared to making it for windows. This is just me trying to make you think like a rebel and thereby allowing you choose wisely.