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Linux Starts to Find Home on Desktops
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.'"
I still have a hard time as an administrator to get things like HP Printers to work with Linux. When I do get them working, I run into strange things like not being able to print out a landscape PDF in portrait.
Or trying to use third party print servers with linux.
Anyway, I think for 80% of the stuff that people do, Linux is a great choice. But everytime I run into a printer or a scanner, I find the area that Linux lacks, and can't compete against windows.... yet.
Bill, Steve says check your cell, Rob Enderle is trying to call you. You didn't pay him for his last shill article.
Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
Admit it, all Linux and Open Source is just another BUSINESS PLAN! I could care less about Open Source or Copyrighted Software. To me support and management for Open Source cost 10 times more. So the only difference is if you pay for it when you buy or download it cost a lot less for support and management. On the other hand if I get an Open Source product for free I PAY TEN TIMES MORE to management and support! So its time to stop HIDING UNDER YOUR UMBERLA OF OPEN SOURCE and come out an admit that you folks also need to make money for a living and your just want me to USE OPEN SOURCE so that you can CHARGE ME 10 TIMES MORE FOR MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT! FUNNY... I just hired a MYSQL admin at my shop last week for 96,000 while I only pay my MSSQL DBA 65000 who manages all my real production databases! YOUR ALL A JOKE!
Are you trying to convince me or yourself? Why hasn't this big open source explosion happened yet? Let me tell you something about management- they have a keen eye for cost saving. If they don't, another company or individual will take that approach and dominate. If there's a clear better path for software deployment that simply isn't being exploited and is 100% superior, why is it not being used? Why is someone not capitalizing and trumping their competition? Where's the glowing success story?
Is it because Microsoft owns the media? What about Apple/Pixar/Disney/ABC?
Could it possibly be the fact that Microsoft's software is either
A) Superior but more expensive
or
B) Inferior, more expensive, but more profitable?
It's as simple as the 'Communism doesn't work' argument. Why doesn't it work? Because... where's the sickle and hammer? People need results. Where are the results? If Microsoft offered Illinois excellent support porting their system to Microsoft, then they're the victor fair and square- because I assure you this is a level playing field- managers know what linux is.
I'll say it again- Open source enthusiasts- stop being a culture of economic angst and try to be a culture of improvement. You're in the free labor market, stop complaining and get to work.