Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

N. Dan Smith

Fri Nov 02 21:37:46 -0700 2007

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I have to say that I am not compelled by the looks of gOS ("green" not "Google") which comes bundled on those machines.  It mentions Open Office, but most of the other software on there is really linked Google applications.

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Charles E Hill

Sat Nov 03 14:30:36 -0700 2007

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I just watched two of these being sold at a local Walmart not 30 minutes ago.  The salesman didn't know anything about them -- he just read what was on the side of the box.  Totally clueless and couldn't even pronounce "Linux", so that isn't a good sign.

The people that bought the computers were both elderly (65+) and asked two questions. 

1. Can it get me on the Internet?
2. Is it really $199?

I wonder if, when they get it home and have a family member set it up, they'll end up returning it or not.  I'm going to keep an eye out at the local Walmart for resealed boxes.

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Unomi

Sat Nov 03 03:06:35 -0700 2007

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To see how much Linux on the desktop has been adopted, you should look further than your neighbours desktop.

In Brazil, Spain, Asia and lots of African countries Linux is on most of the computers for educational purposes. This means, that these kids gets first hands on with this OS for many operations. They will figure out, that Windows is much different than 'at school' (will they ever see Windows).

Russia is on the rise too. And no, these are maybe not millions of adopters, but for some people there is no alternative besides Linux.

What I am trying to say is, don't focus on America or Europe for the dam bursting. It is happening.

- Unomi -

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

frankie

Sat Nov 03 09:15:45 -0700 2007

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In Brazil, Spain, Asia and lots of African countries Linux is on most of the compu ...
What I am trying to say is, don't focus on America or Europe for the dam bursting. It is happening.

Spain is in europe.

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Unomi

Sat Nov 03 09:21:21 -0700 2007

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So? That is one country. While speaking of 'Europe' I mean the majority of Europe wich Spain obviously is not. So I don't generalize Europe by only meaning Spain.

Would you say the same as of 'America' while only meaning Texas or any other single state?

If I am talking about Asia, I really mean China, Korea, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Indonesia. So, in short, I can say Asia since these countries make up the majority of Asia.

Never mind. Good to know that people still know Spain is part of Europe. Not everybody knows that.

- Unomi -

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Matt Perry

Sat Nov 03 11:54:55 -0700 2007

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Congratulations. You know your geography. What is your point?

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Matt Perry

Sat Nov 03 12:53:01 -0700 2007

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Ack, nevermind. I see now that you were quoting two parts in your response. Sorry.

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Simon

Sat Nov 03 04:36:21 -0700 2007

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It is hard to say. There are a lot of desktop GNU/Linux products becoming available, but it remains to be seen if people buy them in any quantity.

I've been depressed by a lot of the PC manufacturers, who do a "Linux Laptop", on which they haven't even made sure all the on board hardware is supported. I mean would Apple ship a computer with bits of it not working?

The big hope of breaking the monopoly for the home market is products like OLPC, and embedded devices. The idea of a computer with browser, VOIP, video conferencing etc preconfigured and "just working" is something home users will get, as many of them would use these things, but are reluctant to buy a web-cam, because their experience is these things are more complex than they should be (or they stop working randomly).

The business market is very different in Europe and the US, and there are a lot of pressure to use Windows, when things like paying taxes, will be easier if I used Windows. Heck to register a complaint with the Communications regulator in the UK it is assumed you'll download a Word document from their Web^HMicro site.

As such the growth in sales of Apple kit is a good sign, as it discourages the "everyone has IE, everyone has Word" mentality, and encourages organizations to use standards.

Has the Dam Burst with Linux on the Desktop?

Roy Schestowitz

Sat Nov 03 06:05:52 -0700 2007

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This offer was not truly new (announcement made months ago), but it received a lot of publicity because of the name gOS, which had people believe Google was behind (gPhone).