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."

Comments

Could Boost Desktop Linux

[Michael_Burton]

As a long-time Macintosh user, Apple's move to Intel chips has actually sparked my interest in Linux.

It's not yet entirely clear why Apple chose Intel. There is some reason to suspect Intel hardware will ease implementation of system-wide DRM capabilities. Time will tell.

The microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and '80s was about individuals controlling machines that had once been the exclusive domain of governments and big corporations. Now DRM, product activation, live updates and other technologies are being used to take back that control. Well, I'm not going back.

I don't doubt that the Linux desktop might seem crude in comparison to Mac OS X. But if Apple chose Intel to help put DRM everywhere, then I, for one, will be more than willing to go "rough it" with the free souls of the Linux world.

Re:More of the same.

[VStrider]

These people need to realise that one day they will be forced to pay seperate licences. You cann't get away with it forever. And Microsoft has already started pressuring users and businesses to buy licences with the "genuine (dis?)advantage" program.

With DRM and palladium coming, I think Microsoft will be able to enforce license purchases within the next 2 years. Notice I said 'be able'-they won't do it yet, not as long as there are viable free alternatives like Linux.

So their strategy is to get as many users as possible on windows, pirated or not, and when there are only a few left on Linux, force everyone to pay. Then you'll look ofcourse for a free alternative, but it'll be too little too late.

The funny thing is, most windows users with pirated versions, think they are 'cheating' Microsoft, while infact they are playing Microsoft's game. And Microsoft treats them like criminals, like they've done something bad. The same tactic banks use. They'll give you more credit than you can afford, and when you cann't pay it back on time, they'll blame you and treat you like you've done something bad. So people usually fall into the trap, borrow more than they can afford and end up paying extraordinary fees without complaining. After all, it's their fault...isn't it?

These people need to stop thinking about short term convenience and think the long term implications of their actions.

Nowdays, Linux is very easy to use and very powerful. There really is, no excuse not to use it.

Re:But OTOH

[anagama]

This is 2005, and I *still* can't use Linux (I was a senior database developer for several years).

????

I've presented this story before. My business partner is not computer savy at all -- she still has an AOL dial-up account. She calls the computer a "cpu" -- you know the type, points at the case and says "cpu". She's the type of person who bought a computer years ago and since it still allows her to check email, she has no interest in getting something else.

When I set up our office, I used linux set up with the KDE desktop. I was surprised one day when I came in and saw she had independently changed the wallpaper to her kid's picture. She's never had a problem with openoffice (used MS Office before) or Mozilla or Kmail.

I'm thinking that if she can use it, almost anyone can. She may not be able to do a deep configuration, but she wouldn't be able to do that with her windows box -- I know this -- recently she called me up and asked me how she could burn a CD from her computer at home (she has no problem with k3b). Fact is, it's been so long since I've used any windows software it was hard to guide her (you know, I'm saying stuff like "ok, look at the menu for something suggests the concept of burning or writing ... starting at the left, what is the first menu title, no not that one, next ...").