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Linux Starts to Find Home on Desktops

Posted by Zonk on from the baby-penguin-steps dept.

WSJdpatton writes "The much-hyped notion that Linux would be a viable alternative to Windows to run desktop and notebook PCs for corporate users seemed dead on arrival a few years ago. But the idea is showing some new vital signs as companies look for cheaper alternatives to Microsoft products. The Wall Street Journal outlines several firms that are reaping savings and stability on their workplace desktops by rolling out Linux distributions. 'Auto maker PSA Peugeot Citroën last month said it will start using Linux on 20,000 of its workers' PCs. Novell Inc., which sells a version of Linux and is supplying it to Peugeot, says it has recently signed up several large U.S. financial institutions that are installing Linux on some employee PCs. Sales of Linux PCs are showing a really nice uptick at Novell, says Ronald Hovsepian, chief executive of Novell.' Not everyone is a convert, though. 'The State of Illinois recently consolidated its IT systems onto Microsoft software -- and has no interest in using Linux, says Paul Campbell, director of the state's Central Management Services department. "We don't have time for science projects in state government," he says.'"

5 of 364 comments (clear)

  1. Don't have time by Raistlin77 · · Score: 5, Funny

    'The State of Illinois recently consolidated its IT systems onto Microsoft software -- and has no interest in using Linux, says Paul Campbell, director of the state's Central Management Services department. "We don't have time for science projects in state government," he says.'

    Apparently, they don't have time for security either...

    1. Re:Don't have time by SnowZero · · Score: 5, Funny

      I heard that dead people prefer genuine Microsoft Windows(tm) to Linux by almost 4:1.

    2. Re:Don't have time by TrailerTrash · · Score: 5, Funny

      Here in Illinois, we take the rights of Deceased Americans (formerly known as dead people) very seriously, including the right to vote. Many issues, such as elections of aldermen, are critically dependent on the outspoken support of Deceased Americans.

      The number of Deceased Americans is expected to grow to unimaginable proportions as time goes on, and so protecting their rights is important to do now.

      This is not to confused with Reanimated Americans (formerly known as zombies), who tend to be vocal almost exclusively on health care issues (notably, brains).

  2. So that explains it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ""We don't have time for science projects in state government,""

    That's why they never bothered to find out how so many dead people were able to vote in Chicago elections.

  3. Re:Windows can be as secure as Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Cutting the network cable doesn't count!