Hi. just to vent about my deception...
Being a Linux user for about 7 years now, I got used to the joys and freedom of use - but also of sharing and feeling involved even without being a developer, of seeing people sharing their work and knowledge, of real communities working hard to make better things and share them - of free and open-source software.
I got used to the idea that free and open-source software is not the same as bad or limited software. Free and open-source software is as good as, and sometimes better, than commercial and closed-source software.
That's why, being a a fan of aviation, I wasn't astonished when I discovered FlighGear and how great a simulator it is. I love it and I have a huge respect for it's developers (and users, of course).
But sometime ago I saw that X-Plane had an always up to date Linux version. I was pleased with that - after all, there are not so many commercial software companies that get the trouble to create and maintain Linux versions.
I gave it a try and, although I still find that FG is better in many things (like customization, view options and many others), it's true that X-Plane sceneries are much prettier than FG's. So I decided to buy X-Pane 11, especially because I wanted to support the fact that they keep developing a Linux version.
Well, after some days with it... I'm not deceived with the software BUT... they're nuts! Almost all the aircrafts are payware, they are incredible expensive and the worst of all is the "community" acts is if that was normal! You pay 59$ for the software license (which I did) but you only get a limited offer of free planes. Then, you have to pay about 69$ or even 80$ for an Airbus or a Boeing! And people act and talk about it as if it was normal!
I felt as if I went back to the time when i was a Mac user and had to pay for all (even stupid things), with Apple always getting it's own software and hardware quickly obsolete just to earn more and more money from people... I'm glad I'm free from that!
Anyway, what a deception this X-plane community. Poor guys! (or should I say "very rich guys" instead?)
Long live free and open-source software!
Long live Flightgear!