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Desktop Linux on x86 - Adapt or Die
An anonymous reader writes "The recent announcement of Apple's upcoming x86 systems has gotten a lot of people thinking. Among the conjecture, there has been much thought given to how Linux will be affected by this move. The author of this article does not believe that Linux as a whole is threatened harmed by the 'Mactel' alliance, but does point out that his could mean major trouble for distros like Xandros and Linspire which are reliant on the desktop audience. These distros are clearly not ready to take on OS X, which will soon be the primary x86 alternative to Windows XP not only because of OS X's dedicated and outspoken user base but because of its slick looks and ease of use."
Alas, what you are missing is that this is a cult. Two percent market share and delusions of grandeur. Everything you say is right, but it will not change the hysteria. Apple is no threat to anyone, because its business model of bundled closed hardware/software is a proven loser. But the faithful can't bear to see this, and so they look around for someone, anyone, that this new move could threaten. Does anyone think that if Amiga changed to Intel, it would threaten Linux? Well, why do you think that if Apple does, it will? Apple is just irrelevant. Now, if they were to license OSX at reasonable prices, that might be different. Don't worry though, they won't.
While it wont 'kill' anything, this whole thing may end up effectively pushing all the free unix variants back into the server room.
No linux distribution ( or other unix-like OS's ) would be able win a marketing battle with apple over the 'average joe'.
That is unless some heavyweight like IBM starts marketing their own flavor to the unwashed non techincal masses.
---- Booth was a patriot ----
(Disclosure: It's true that Mac OS has some access to these apps via Apple's X11 and Fink/Darwinports, but you have to admit it's not the same as having these be a "real" part of your desktop.)
Nonsense, these apps run as well on Mac OS X as they do under Linux, their user interface is equally good or bad. What is more relevant is that Mac OS X offers a high quality set apps with excellent user interfaces. Many essentially free as they are bundled with the computer. Many also rendering some of that "Linux" software you refer to as redundant.
As for why it isn't actually *done* yet, there's a much simpler reason: because it's really, really hard work, and that kind of thing takes time.
So why is it taking Linux so long? Linux is *far* behind Windows and OSX in terms of usability. OSX was build from almost scrath in less than half the time Linux has been in existence. This is 2005, and I *still* can't use Linux (I was a senior database developer for several years). There would have to be a *massive* amount of work done to get Linux even close to caught up. I contend that Linux is already too far behind to ever catch up. Remember... MS and Apple are busy moving forward all the time.
I don't respond to AC's.
> Linux isn't significantly behind at anything important for a generic desktop user.
Wrong. It's way behind. It's behind in so many ways it's staggaring.
And the fact that you think it isn't means you don't have a clue.
Ah well. Get older, read, learn, etc. In the meantime, keep your ignorant opinions to yourself.