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IBM Launches Linux Desktop in India

Posted by Hemos on from the getting-coverage dept.

kanad writes "Who says that Linux on desktop is dead. Well maybe in the developed markets where people are using windows since last 10 years and are used to it. But in nascent markets it maynot be the case. From this story at Times of India , IBM is launching a linux based desktop model (A30) for about US$ 850. The specifications of the A30 is available from zdnet india site although the price mentioned is about US$ 1100. IBM CEO recently visited India generating news and smoke about big blue taking some serious linux initiative in India. Here is a more practical story on Linux in India"

22 of 285 comments (clear)

  1. fr1st post by IamTheRealMike · · Score: 5, Insightful
    I'll read the article in a moment. Until then, what do you mean Desktop Linux is dead in the developed world? What I see is people desperate to use it, but held back by lack of ease-of-use, compatability and too much inertia. I don't see people saying "oh, who cares, getting done over by Redmond isn't so bad".

    Hmph.

    1. Re:fr1st post by pkunzipper · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Agreed. It's not dead. I am not around too many people willing to experiment with Linux (Learn), but I took the initiative myself after having spent the last 6 months reading about Microsoft's DRM initiatives and related materials. Even on TV IBM is advertising Linux (and some UNIX) use. Good move, as is the India initative. If Alternative systems are going to be successful, growing large outside of the US will be a big step (like building an army) prior to returning to the US, which at that point may be falling behind in software technologies (not likely, but DRM is a luddite move). If I'm going to invest $1000 in a box, just like $10,000 (or whatever) in a car, I'm going to use it to its fullest potectial, and maitain the freedom to modify it as I see fit without having to pay $100 a pop for "licences"

    2. Re:fr1st post by mjmalone · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The fact that they have been brought up using windows, and are used to using windows, and linux is very different than windows is exactly what makes linux hard to use. Just as a dvorak keyboard is hard to use. People don't have the time to devote to learning new things when, in their opinion, the way they are doing things as is works out fine.

      --
      Visualize the world of wine
    3. Re:fr1st post by TopShelf · · Score: 4, Interesting

      On the contrary, I think those people that are "desperate" to use Linux on the desktop have the technical skills such that ease-of-use isn't really an issue. And for most people (I assume you're talking about general computer users), they don't see themselves as getting "done over by Redmond". For them, Windows is what they use at work, so it's the easiest to use at home. The movement towards desktop Linux isn't coming from the user base, but rather the administrative one.

      --
      Stop by my site where I write about ERP systems & more
  2. IBM's reply to SCO? by pe1rxq · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Could we see this as the first real reply to the SCO case? Something like: 'Up yours SCO!' or more like: 'Lalalalalah Can't hear you!' ??

    Jeroen

    --
    Secure messaging: http://quickmsg.vreeken.net/
    1. Re:IBM's reply to SCO? by zonix · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The parent is not a troll! (moderator on crack)

      This move shows that IBM is not at all hesitant and underscores their commitment to deliver GNU/Linux solutions despite SCO's obvious spreading of FUD.

      z
      --
      What would an EWOULDBLOCK block, if an EWOULDBLOCK could block would? -- me
  3. What linux release? by dTb · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The articles don't state what company has put together the desktop software, just that the hardware is from IBM. Is this another partnership for Red Hat or have IBM rolled their own?

  4. Via has much better offerings... by jkrise · · Score: 4, Interesting

    E-Sys has launched Linux PCs in India some 2 months ago - priced from $200 onwards (no monitor). The highest model comes in at about $300 which includes a financial accouting package as well.

    LUGs are very active in India - and the recent drives by MS thru NASSCOM (like the BSA) is forcing lots of folks to switch over. Every day, new firms spring up offering Linux support for Home PCs as well as business segments.

    --
    If you keep throwing chairs, one day you'll break windows....
  5. What Linux needs by OmniVector · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think the first step we'll see in Linux becoming big on the desktop (in a general work area) is overseas governments. Eventually it may spread to the schools of those overseas countries. After that has happened, other countries will follow because the infrastructure is already there to switch since another country has put in the time and effort to make an enmass switch. Eventually it might get some usage in the large scale due to students using it at home after trying it at school. This is a *BIG* deal if we can get just one government to start the dominos.

    --
    - tristan
    1. Re: What Linux needs by Black+Parrot · · Score: 4, Interesting


      > I think the first step we'll see in Linux becoming big on the desktop (in a general work area) is overseas governments. Eventually it may spread to the schools of those overseas countries. After that has happened, other countries will follow.

      What about all the CS & EE students back home who use it at the university and get used to having a big pile of free, powerful, and stable apps, and demand the same thing on their desktop both at work and at home after they graduate?

      --
      Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
    2. Re:What Linux needs by OmniVector · · Score: 4, Informative

      check out the grsecurity patch for the linux kernel. bundle that with some restrictive iptable rules and i guarantee you'll have a more secure machine than a locked windows box.

      The grsecurity patch has a slew of options on masking processes, and it can restrict process execution based on file permissions, stack execution, port creation based on user privledges on the kernel level, and file i/o on the kernel level. all in all, i think this kernel patch puts linux on par with some of the more anal distros like openbsd (although i can't say linux encrypts things as much as openbsd :)

      --
      - tristan
    3. Re: What Linux needs by Black+Parrot · · Score: 5, Funny


      > Well, a lot oof companies in north america, or even up here in ontario canada use linus for their development.

      I knew Transmeta used him, but I didn't realize he got around that much!

      --
      Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  6. IBM and Debian GNU/Linux? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Does anyone know if IBM is making Debian GNU/Linux available on these systems? It would be fitting for the only truly free Linux distribution to be delivered pre-installed on these systems in such a poverty-stricken country. I'm sure IBM will do great support for their hardware (they have been impeccable on the service contract on our department's 'Regatta' p690 POWER4 system (32 CPUs really make dselect fly!!!). The only question that remains is the software aspect of the deal. So...Does anyone know of any reliable apt-get mirrors in India?

  7. Hmmm I wonder... by PS-SCUD · · Score: 5, Funny

    If they'll have a cow for their GNU symbol?





    *note: this is a good natured jab, not making fun of their religious beliefs

    --


    "Much work is lost, for the lack of a little more." -Edward H. Harriman
  8. People are scared of linux because... by ahadley · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The reason people don't use Linux, IMO, is not because it is harder to use or less logical in its layout (obviously i'm talking just about using KDE or the like), it is mainly because people have been using Windows since they were this tall.

    If people started on Linux then Windows would seem bizare and hard to use at first, just as Linux is percieved by the windows generation now adays.

    Just my 2 (euro) cents worth
    Alex

  9. Good nes for the 3rd World by PhysicsExpert · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This could be excellent news for the proseperity of the third world in general and the redution in the digital divide in particular.

    At present many third world countries such as Ethiopia, Rhodesia and India have serious problems in that computers are an unobtainable luxery that the ordinary man on the street cannot afford. If we can get free software into these countries then we can alleviate much of the hardware costs associated with running a computer and so make it easier for undeveloped societies to have access to modern technology (ok the hardware costs are still there but how much does a second hand computer cost these days?).

    The impact of this cannot be underestimated. If you think how much computers have impacted on your work and how much time/money they save then you will realise why third world countries cannot compete on a level playing field with us Americans. If we can get Linux into these countries we can enable them to make money so they will not be a drain on the ric countries but will instead be able to make money and provide for themselves.

    --
    All that glitters has a high refractive index.
    1. Re:Good nes for the 3rd World by SN74S181 · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Are you kidding? Putting Linux on systems will reduce 'much of the hardware costs'??

      Did you notice the price mentioned in the article on these machines? $850 is well beyond the reaches of many, many people in the First World and completely beyond the reach of people in the Third World.

  10. 128mb?? by Alpha_Nerd · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I wish companies would stop selling systems with 128mb of RAM... 256 is bare minimum nowadays. People wouldn't notice the difference between that 2.4ghz P4 and a $50 AMD Athlon XP 1700+...

    Of course, I'm sure they do this because they can get away with it... The average consumer probably thinks a CPU with a big number next to it is more important.

  11. Re:Excellent by frodo+from+middle+ea · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Dude,
    Linux or no linux, jobs/projects are being out sourced to india because of one simple reason . CHEAP LABOUR.
    If you think outsourcing to india is problem, wait till china catches up. they have even better infrastructure and cheaper labour .right now the only problem for them is ability to speak english.
    In case you forgot it's called capitalism.

    --
    for the last time people, I am "frodo from middle eaRTH", not "middle eaST".
  12. Re:India will be the dominant force in computing by frodo+from+middle+ea · · Score: 5, Insightful

    As an Indian I beg to differ,
    they don't have an attitude/ego
    yeah right, i think we indians have one THE most infalted ego about our computing abilities.
    they really really really want to program(unlike lazy westerners)
    What a gross generalisation. Incase you forgot most of computing initiatives are taken by western countries.
    They actually meet targets
    Not any faster than anyone else
    The quality is as good as western code
    How does this make indians better ?
    the labour is cheap
    no arguments here. But don't forget the labour is cheap because of a weak economy and huge population, which have their own problems.
    there are 1.3 billion people (making them second to China)
    Out of which 30-40 % are under poverty line
    They use Linux for everything
    WHAT ?

    --
    for the last time people, I am "frodo from middle eaRTH", not "middle eaST".
  13. US $850? by dafoomie · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Isn't 850 a little pricey for the average guy in India? Especially considering I can walk down to Wal-Mart and get one for $200.

  14. Yes indeed by simong · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Who does say Linux on the desktop is dead? As far as I can see its takeup is just beginning, and as long as Microsoft persevere with an overpriced, overpowering 'standard', more organisations will consider it throughout the world.