To clarify, no I don't "misunderstand" Opensim. As I state above, we've put together our own mini-grid. I've run my own sim server since 2018 and understand the concept of Opensim overall. I don't understand nearly as much as the devs and techs... and have no desire to. My brain is full enough at this point in my life and currently I'm focused on Fantasy Faire, after which I'll be focused on Sci Fi Con, after which I'll be focused on SLB, etc etc etc. Oh, and there's real life... and ya couldn't pay me enough to dev Opensim. ;D
So I stand by what I stated prior. Yes, one can choose their physics engine and scripting engine. But Car X will not work on Grid Y etc etc. People face that all the time simply because Opensim couldn't settle on set standards. That's a real hassle for creators. Ever tried to build a car intended for sale on Kitely Market when one has to deal with multiple physics and scripting engines? Practically a fool's errand. So yes, I understand Opensim... at least to a reasonable extent. I've been running my own server for 7 years.
I understand what you say about Linux Distros, which is one reason I haven't switched to Linux (the other being that I use some major software that's simply not available for Linux). I have long been of the opinion that Linux could have become the #1 operating system if the community had just unified and created a primary distro, with add-on libraries as needed. Instead the community is so divided that Apple and Microsoft still rule the roost. This isn't because some haven't tried to centralize Linux; RedHat and Ubuntu made a stab at it. People just refused to cooperate. Everyone wanted to do things their own way, according to personal whims. As a result, Linux never achieved its full potential... and many pro companies declined to support it because of that divisive community nature. As of March 2025 Linux holds 3.2% of the non-tablet computer market share, and that divided among several distros.
Interestingly enough Android is based on Linux, so on one hand one might say Linux is the most successful OS in history. Globally Android rules the cell phone market. (Apple holds the U.S. market, but Android still claims a major share in the US). https://cdn.buttercms.com/output=f:webp/whuKmW8RFm4gYunnTxkT Something Android can brag about is that they don't charge $200 for an operating system, and then get so paranoid about protecting that system that they cripple it for legitimate users. (Yes Microsoft, pointing the finger at you.) Windows users can't back up a boot drive without using pricey 3rd party software, and can't even properly format and partition a hard drive without jumping through half a dozen hoops or again, buying 3rd party software.
Every OS and computer program has its pros and cons. But Opensim is in a position to standardize across the board-- if someone just decides to get professional and set up a non-profit company to do so (ie, paid employees). So again this is a matter of monetization, because evidently Opensim central (whatever that is) can't afford to hire professional coders and management staff. And that brings us back to what brought OSgrid to a grinding halt. Real life requires money. Free is a delusion, and is useless if a system doesn't work.
Okay, I've rambled enough for this comment. ;D
