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Corel To Launch Linux PCs With Intel

Ami Ganguli writes, "This morning's edition of Canada's Globe and Mail claims that Corel and Intel are discussing an alliance to produce cheap Linux boxes. The article claims that a major PC vendor, a browser developer, and an ISP would also be involved. It sounds like a two year commitment to AOL may soon land you a free PC with Linux and Corel Office 2000. " It's all rumors and "talks" at this point, however.

6 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. AOL? AOL? by Mr.+Penguin · · Score: 3
    What's this talk about AOL? This really doesn't make sense. AOL is WinWare, and the last time I checked, with no intention to ever support Linux. In fact, most Linux users wouldn't touch AOL with a ten-foot pole.

    AOL's proprietary network protocols already screw up Windows. If you've got problems and happen to have AOL installed, all you have to do is remove that funky "AOL adapter" from your network protocols and things get better. Do we really want them screwing with Linux, throwing their protocols in, and generally kludging things up? I doubt it!

    I've really got nothing againgst AOL as a company. They've got near world-wide access. But their procedures leave a lot to be desired. If a standard ISP had as big an infrastructure as AOL does, that would be great (or if AOL would revert to standard protocols).

    Brad Johnson
    --We are the Music Makers, and we
    are the Dreamers of Dreams

    1. Re:AOL? AOL? by christophersaul · · Score: 3

      Don't forget AOL now own Netscape, so doubtless the browser will be Mozilla-esque.

      AOL are going down the 'open' path, so sticking an AOL branded Netscape browser and bundling it with an AOL account and a reliable Linux box is a great way of getting away from MSFT and promoting Internet access from any device, etc, etc.

    2. Re:AOL? AOL? by bgarcia · · Score: 4
      AOL is WinWare, and the last time I checked, with no intention to ever support Linux.
      Don't bet on it. AOL hates the fact that their prime competitor MSN (Microsoft Network) is owned by the same company that makes the Operating System their software requires. MSN gets bundled with every copy of Windows, and AOL has to kiss Microsoft butt to make sure their software is bundled with every copy of Windows too. And still, when you start up Internet Explorer for the first time, it asks if you want to join the Microsoft Network.

      If AOL can sell their software on a Microsoft-free computer, then that's one less competitor they need to worry about

      In fact, most Linux users wouldn't touch AOL with a ten-foot pole.
      True, but Linux users aren't the intended consumers of AOL PC's. These things will be aimed at the people who currently use AOL, WebTV, etc. I just hope Corel and KDE are up to the task of making Linux easy enough for these people to use.
      --
      I'm a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar.
  2. Where is AOL mentioned? by sugarman · · Score: 4

    Hate to bring this up, but I didn't see AOL specificall mentioned anywhere in the linked article. The closest I could find was:

    <i>Mr. Cowpland said the talks are "multifaceted" and involve other computer industry players. Although he wouldn't reveal further details, Corel and Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel would likely also want to include a computer maker, a browser company and an Internet service provider.</i>

    While AOL could provide 2 of the 3 requirements, and are quite likely to be providing one (Mozilla/Netscape), there is nowhere where they are specifically mentioned. What's the big deal people?

    As an aside, would AOL run under Wine? OR would Corel's efforts in that area maybe enable them to port it?

    --
    --sugarman--
  3. Corel to buy Redhat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3

    In a surprise move, Corel, after reaching a record $95 per share, buys Redhat which had dropped to $53 per share.

    Sources close to the Corel say that the main reason Corel Linux has been so popular is because Corel Linux has a pretty box, and uses very little harsh red colors.

    In a related story, Debian decided to change their product name to GNUnix to further distance themselves from consumers and common sense.

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    Next Article: Intel releases 2 Ghz Carroton to compete against AMD's k9(dogathlon)

    hold F4 and Alt to continue.

  4. AOL for Linux by zeon · · Score: 3

    Currently AOl does not suport Linux. I have met many people who's only reason not to switch to Linux is that they can't or wont give up AOL. Hence we have http://www.xaol.org . This open source project is still in the very early stages but we are always looking for help. Please visit the web site xaol.org and feel free to contact the project. -Jeffrey