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Land Warrior Army Suits Simplified, Linux-ized

Posted by simoniker on from the working-properly-is-good dept.

Dosco Jones writes 'The Army is drastically simplifying the makeup of its high-tech soldier ensemble, the Land Warrior, in an effort to make the system less prone to failures and easier to use,' National Defense reports. Defense Tech continues: 'After the last version of Land Warrior failed reliability tests earlier this year, the Army switched gears and decided to make the system less complex and modify the hardware to make it compatible with the new [and controversial] Stryker infantry vehicle. Changes include a more simplified data bus and a Linux-based operating system, as opposed to Windows. 'Evidence shows that Linux is more stable. We are moving in general to where the Army is going, to Linux-based OS', says the program's manager, Lt. Col. Dave Gallop."

10 of 361 comments (clear)

  1. Heh... by EvilSporkMan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Evidence shows that Linux is more stable
    I'm sure they'll be hearing from Commander Gates about that one shortly...

    --
    -insert a witty something-
    1. Re:Heh... by Nighttime · · Score: 5, Funny

      Evidence shows that Linux is more stable
      I'm sure they'll be hearing from Commander Gates about that one shortly...

      Never mind that, imagine Darl trying to get his $699 licence money:

      Darl: "Oh yeah? You and whose army?"

      --
      I've got a fever and the only prescription is more COBOL.
  2. Scary,,, by DCowern · · Score: 5, Funny

    Each fighter would get equipped with a small, 500 megahertz computer running Windows 2000...

    "Although it has been much improved over earlier prototypes, the system was deemed 'unreliable' and unlikely to survive the rigors of combat," National Defense says.

    The thought of Windows even being considered for such a mission critical application (i.e. keeping our boys alive) scares the bejeezus out of me... kinda brings a new meaning to "blue screen of death".

    1. Re:Scary,,, by EinarH · · Score: 5, Funny
      It's cheap Karma but someone needs to do this:

      Clippy: "It looks like you are trying to press the trigger on your weapon, would you like some help?"

      1. Learn how to reload you new high tech gun with a 20 minute walk-through.
      2. Install new Patriot-skins on the hud of you display.
      3. Get help on the installing the latest Friendly Fire buffer overflow.
      4. Return home and shoot the person who made this sytem.

      --

      Melius mori in libertate quam vivere in servitute.

  3. I hear... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The Marines are going to run FreeBSD, because linux just isn't tough enough.

    1. Re:I hear... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      The Marines are going to run FreeBSD

      Yeah, I hear that Marines aren't afraid to die.

  4. Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    "The enemy is approaching. Fire away!"
    "I can't, sir... There's no compatible driver for this missile launcher yet!"

  5. Simplify, my butt! by No+Such+Agency · · Score: 5, Funny

    I recommend downgrading all versions of Soldier to the basic "naked man with stick" functionality which was immensely popular and robust for a good portion of the version history of Soldier. There'd be a lot less problems in the long run, as long as all users comply with the downgrade.

    --
    Freedom: "I won't!"
  6. Windows did have some advantages however ... by RedA$$edMonkey · · Score: 5, Funny

    "The minesweeper simulation did not seem to adequately train our engineers"

  7. You Can See It Now by deadlinegrunt · · Score: 5, Funny

    "You have loaded new ammo in your gun -- Please contact Microsoft for a new activation key."

    --
    BSD is designed. Linux is grown. C++ libs