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Pitfalls and Options For Business-Desktop Linux

swhiser writes "Tom Adelstein dispassionately surveys the remaining fixes that will put desktop Linux through in the enterprise. Peer-to-peer networking, functional printing, laptop support, single sign-on to Active Directory and a better Device Manager (with a driver-get mechanism) are among the things companies are asking for. He says, 'The Linux desktop could fail if companies continue to pilot programs and conclude that it's less trouble to buy Microsoft. Everyone loses in that scenario.'" Pre-loaded systems are no longer a pipe dream or an obscurity, though; read on for one reader's mini-survey of Linux systems from large computer vendors.

Acidus writes "I called around today to the big OEMs (Gateway, Dell, HP, IBM) seeing who offered systems with Linux pre-installed, and the results were good. 3 of the 4 offered Linux on workstations. While no one offered Linux preloaded on laptops, Dell has some references nn how to install Linux on their laptops, while IBM has a scattering of docs on their website about installing Linux on systems. The reps at Dell, even though they have a series of Linux workstations, had to ask me what Linux was, and how to spell it. "Is that L-Y-N-I-C-S?""

5 of 346 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Single sign-on to what ? by ReelOddeeo · · Score: 4, Funny

    Let me get this straight.

    Gradually migrate desktops to Linux. Make them do sign on and authentication to a Windows server.

    End result: Linux on the desktops, Windows as the server.

    That way, each platform is being used for what it is best at.

    --

    Those who would give up liberty in exchange for security and DRM should switch to Microsoft Palladium!
  2. Interface by cliffyqs · · Score: 2, Funny

    which will bring us to: "Computer... Tea, Earl Grey, hot."

    --
    I have nothing witty to fill this space with yet.
  3. Re:WHY? by /dev/trash · · Score: 2, Funny

    AOL Time-Warner?

  4. Re:I'm a PHB by jmulvey · · Score: 2, Funny

    Assign the half that don't like Linux to a "Special Projects" team. Give them jobs like sorting power cables by color.

  5. Re:WiFi support by EnronHaliburton2004 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Try FreeBSD 5.

    Don't like your bathroom? Purchase a new house!