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Linux Kernel 2.6.0-test6 Released
lamont116 writes "The latest in the series of beta kernels was just released by the fine folks who have given us Linux. Enjoy!" The Changelog has a hefty 240K of miscellaneous changes... LWN has an overview of the updates.
I was thinking about this very thing a few days ago, the fact that Microsoft has basically provided a free gift to the alternative OS camps.
Think about it. They've continually pushed back the release date of Longhorn, at least three times now, to my recollection. The screenshots they have leaked out, whether they are true or not haven't produced any vote of confidence from the various geeks I've seen comment about it online.
I'm neither defending Microsoft or trying to put them down, but the fact remains that their competition has been given a lot of breathing room, which I think if used wisely, will show some very large rewards by the time Longhorn comes out in full force.
One more thing. Let's assume for a moment that Longhorn starts selling on January 1st, 2005. We're being really optimistic, but for the sake of argument, I'll pick this date. Now... in typical Microsoft fashion, and from the history of the IT world, it won't be for at least 6 months before it even makes a significant market shift.
Who will upgrade to an OS that curtails choices in the file system? Who will spend the money on an OS that hasn't proven itself yet? I'm not talking about Windows itself, but the new Longhorn. The Windows line of products has had varied levels of success, not just due to marketing guidance, but because it has solved some issues for joe user.
As for Longhorn, the "early adopters" might give it a try, but it will still take quite some time before the mass market checks it out. I predict it will be at least 6 months time before Longhorn starts to make any real significant headway in the market.
So, given that I'm being optimistic with a date of January 1st, 2005, I really believe that the alternative OS's will have at least two full years before being in any danger from the MS Marketing Machine.
Just my two cents.
user@host$ diff
If I had to bet a dollar I'd bet that MS will fork the "golden build" in early Spring 2005, it'll go gold in Summer, and it'll be generally avaiable in Sept 2005.
I worked there during the whole "Whistler" cycle -- I got a feel for the cycle.
I've just switched from -test5 to -test6, and the difference is remarkable.
Xmms doesn't skip, Mozilla doesn't snag, even during a kernel compile and SETI@Home running in the background.
Looks like Con Kolivas's interactivity patches are definitely something.
Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.