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Thread ID: 77629	2007-03-16 15:48:00	Planets Align For Linux Surge	SurferJoe46 (51)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
533595	2007-03-16 15:48:00	This may be good or bad news for those who like to keep L a deep-dark secret.....but as just the messenger here, let me make this likely controversial post: Every year is supposed to be the year that GNU/Linux "really takes off" and that "Windows is doomed", etc.. But this year… well this year could actually be the tipping point for Linux and open source. Look at the signs: 1. Despite assertions to the contrary, Microsoft Vista has unquestionably stumbled. It has compatibility problems with older applications, it requires hardware upgrades to get full functionality, it's more expensive than what it replaces, and it's being banned by many organizations and government agencies. 2. Dell. The company that practically invented the turn-key commodity PC market for ordinary people is making plans to sell entry level computers with Linux pre-installed and ready to go. There are a lot of people out there who just want an inexpensive PC for web surfing, email, and word processing. For them, it doesn't matter whether the computer is running Linux or Windows or AmigaDos as long as the apps are there and they can use them right out of the box. 3. Linux and open source in general has far more "gravitas" in corporate circles than ever before. Oracle is trying to break into the market, Red Hat is flexing its muscles, and even Microsoft is selling Linux vouchers. 4. Linux desktops are looking better than ever. Gnome and KDE, with Xgl and Compiz and Beryl give the eye candy. Ubuntu pioneers ease of use. Linspire makes it familiar to people who are used to pre-Vista Windows. 5. Open source applications have achieved a critical mass. Mozilla Firefox is an excellent browser, and Open Office can handle all but the most diehard VBA hacker's productivity needs. Eclipse and NetBeans provide excellent free development environments for multiple languages. And many applications are moving to the web anyway, requiring no local software install besides a modern web browser. Here's the link: :thumbs: (blogs.zdnet.com) "Used with permission from CNET Networks, Inc., Copyright 200_. All rights reserved."	SurferJoe46 (51)
533596	2007-03-16 18:11:00	even Microsoft is selling Linux vouchers . Really? Why would M$ do that? :confused:	Strommer (42)
533597	2007-03-16 18:31:00	Thanks for posting this, Surfer. It seems inevitable that with so many people all over the world working to improve Linux, and with M$ wanting more and more $$, eventually we will see Linux gain ground. There are a lot of people out there who just want an inexpensive PC for web surfing, email, and word processing. For them, it doesn't matter Can linux handle photos? Resizing, image improvement and other editing? The usual digcam stuff? And can you view film clips, YouTube films?	Strommer (42)
533598	2007-03-16 20:05:00	Really? Why would M$ do that? :confused: Why does a Rata climb a Totara? To see the light.	R2x1 (4628)
533599	2007-03-16 20:30:00	Thanks for posting this, Surfer . It seems inevitable that with so many people all over the world working to improve Linux, and with M$ wanting more and more $$, eventually we will see Linux gain ground . There are a lot of people out there who just want an inexpensive PC for web surfing, email, and word processing . For them, it doesn't matter Can linux handle photos? Resizing, image improvement and other editing? The usual digcam stuff? And can you view film clips, YouTube films? I haven't tried it yet in Mepis, but isn't Picasa2 supported? Ya know, the sad part is that those who want simple also are likely to not take security seriously too . I think L-based things are inherently better at keeping the goonies and nasties at bay, so there's another reason to give those people an L-based machine .	SurferJoe46 (51)
533600	2007-03-16 20:34:00	Can linux handle photos? Resizing, image improvement and other editing? The usual digcam stuff? And can you view film clips, YouTube films?Yes, very easily. There are numerous native apps that can do this, or if you are a picasa fan that can also be easily installed. Adobe releases flash for Linux as well - so youtubing is not a problem. VLC will play almost any audio / video format on the planet.	Erayd (23)
533601	2007-03-16 21:54:00	Can linux handle photos? Resizing, image improvement and other editing? The usual digcam stuff? And can you view film clips, YouTube films? Just how serious do you need to get with your photos? http://www.cinepaint.org/ www.idruna.com This serious enough for you? Linux has been used in motion picture editing for years. Before that, they were using Unix/Irix... natural progression actually! :thumbs: :thumbs:	tuxer (11969)
533602	2007-03-17 01:33:00	Really? Why would M$ do that? :confused: Part of the Microsoft- Novell Linux deal. Dell is also reviewing which Linux distro to sell pre installed with its PCs in order to boost sales. Found it Dell polls PC users on favorite Linux varieties open.itworld.com ( Dell has reduced its orders for laptops from the manufacturers by 20% due to falling sales)	winmacguy (3367)
533603	2007-03-17 02:29:00	Part of the Microsoft- Novell Linux deal . Without wanting to hijack this thread in a big way, what is the Microsoft- Novell Linux deal all about? Thanks for that link . Interesting . . . The groundswell of demand for Linux began in February . . . On Feb . 23, Dell announced it will work with Novell Inc . to install Linux on business PCs including OptiPlex desktops, Latitude notebooks and Dell Precision workstations . Dell also said it will work with other Linux providers since users requested many other versions of the OS, such as Novell/Suse Linux Desktop, Red Hat Enterprise Desktop, Fedora, OpenSuse and Ubuntu .	Strommer (42)
533604	2007-03-17 02:44:00	I'm all for open source, but I'm comfortable with windows. Convert my 'type' of user to Linux and well, open source will win the war.	pine-o-cleen (2955)
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