Linux to Become #2 on the Desktop?

DiZASTiX writes "An article from Zdnet says Linux on the desktop has become a reality. It is now possible, for example, to buy a Linux-based PC (running LindowsOS) from Evesham. In the United States, Wal-Mart sells machines based on Lindows, Mandrake Linux and others. But though Linux may have its foot in the door, taking the next step to becoming a mainstream success is proving a more difficult proposition."

Comments

Re:There's a good reason why Linux isn't #1 or #2.

[Lussarn]

and it's not compatible with as much hardware as Windows XP


Oh.. You run WinXP on your Enterprise 450... Not compatible you say.. Not on Ibook either..

So as long as you choose the right hardware WinXP is more compatible. Not really that simple anymore.

Re:Mac OS X

[vegetablespork]

w00t! And you can pay $129 for point upgrades to your OS, without which you won't be updating any of that Fink stuff.

I hate stuff like this.

[twitter]

The Znet folks get this all wrong:

Since the basic code is freely available, Linux can be distributed at rock-bottom prices or at no charge, but the license also makes it more difficult for distributors to charge premium prices for proprietary technology.

Then some people blow smoke about "usability" and "not compatible with as much hardware as Windows XP." What shit.

The only reason it's difficult to charge "premium prices for proprietary technology" is because free software does it all anyway. The only reason there are hardware problems is because some companies have yet to grasp that the day of closed source binaries is over and still think M$ will help them bilk customers with a perpetual waste of adequate equipment replaced like dead M$ binaries. You know, hide the workings of the thing so that you have to buy a new one when the driver no longer works becase M$ changed their O$. Pththth-fit!

M$ is dead, long live freedom. M$ screwed the pooch with all their stupid conquer the world dreams and obnoxious practices. Who would use a browser that alows an advertiser to pop open a window and send you piles crap you did not request? Who would use an O$ that lets third parties rummage through your files and life? No, it's really over. M$ never had anything sepcial, got in the way of much innovation and everyone knows it. Their billions of dollars will evaporate like some kind of bad dream. Equipment makers who want to sell equipment will have to be honest about it.

You say, "
I don't mean for this to come across as trollish," but that's OK. You can't hide the truth.

Slow News Year Already?

[belloc]

We're three days into the new year, and the editors had to play the "Linux on the Desktop?" card already?

If I see a "Death of the Internet" article tomorrow, I'll start planning for the apocalypse.

Belloc

Re:too late

[LoudMusic]

What the fuck is wrong with you GOD DAMN MAC BIGGOTS! You can not compare a fucking three thousand dollar computer to a four hundred dollar computer! People want their shit CHEAP.

Apple may have 'their foot in the door' with OS X, but they're not gaining as many customers as WAL-FUCKING-MART. If Apple were to partner with Walmart (when hell freezes over ...) then they'd have something. But the masses are dirt ass poor and half of them don't even know who Apple is.

Get your head out of your upper-middle-class ass and snap back to reality.