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IBM Launches Microsoft-Free Linux Virtual Desktop

Posted by kdawson on from the open-collaboration-client dept.

VorlonFog writes "According to Information Week, IBM has introduced a line of business computers that avoid Microsoft's desktop environment in favor of open source software. IBM worked with Canonical and Virtual Bridges to create the platform, which IBM claims saves businesses $500 to $800 per user on software licenses and an additional $258 per user 'since there is no need to upgrade hardware to support Vista and Office.'"

7 of 344 comments (clear)

  1. Desktop Environment? by RandomPsychology · · Score: 5, Funny

    because for some strange reason, we're not allowed to use the word "Windows" anymore due to the DMCA...

    1. Re:Desktop Environment? by MikeDirnt69 · · Score: 5, Funny

      I removed windows from my house, thieves used it as backdoors.

      --
      Am I eval()? - http://www.monst3r.com.br
    2. Re:Desktop Environment? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Actually, most people's 'desktop enviroment' looks like the following:

      OS
      Sony Rootkit
      Spyware
      Spyware
      Adware
      Trojan
      Keylogger
      Trojan
      Hidden folder full of p0rn
      Quicktime nagware
      Realplayer nagware
      Text file with all passwords
      Adobe nagware
      Hidden folder full of stolen (err, I mean shared) mp3s

  2. upgrade? by s1lhouette · · Score: 5, Funny

    and an additional $258 per user 'since there is no need to upgrade hardware to support Vista and Office.'"

    Since when have people been upgrading to vista?

  3. This is clearly by sagematt · · Score: 4, Funny

    The Year of the Linux (Virtual) Desktop!

  4. Re:one small step for a company by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 4, Funny

    Actually yes, MS had released specs for a lot of their proprietary formats in the last two years under their "Open Specification Promise" (e.g. full docs for Office binary file formats and CIFS). Exchange is not on the list yet, but that list grows pretty fast, so I wouldn't be surprised to see it there eventually.

  5. Re:eweek and WSJ articles. by Ihmhi · · Score: 5, Funny

    How can you be "terminally lazy"? Too apathetic to dial 911 while you're bleeding on the kitchen floor? Don't want to go to the hospital to get your chemo?

    --
    Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)