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New Linux-Based Laptop For Computer Newbies

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the bad-software-knows-no-bounds dept.

Smivs writes "The BBC is carrying a report on how people confused and frustrated by computers can now turn to a laptop called Alex built just for them. Based on Linux, the laptop comes with simplified e-mail, web browsing, image editing and office software. Those who sign up for Alex pay £39.95 a month for telephone support, software updates and broadband access. The Newcastle-Based Broadband Computer Company who developed Alex has been working on this project for three years, and didn't immediately adopt a Linux solution — in fact, the first big trial was based on Windows. The company's Chief Technology Officer Barney Morrison-Lyons says that was never going to be the right route: 'The biggest problem with Microsoft is badly-written software — the operating system allows you to write software badly unlike Mac or Linux.' Mr. Hudson, one of the company's founders, said the company also intends to launch an application store for Alex for customers who want to add more features and functions to their computer. 'People who love Linux will be keen to develop for this,' he said."

4 of 198 comments (clear)

  1. Give it to newborns by ls671 · · Score: -1, Troll

    Give it to newborns before they get intoxicated be anything else.

    > The BBC is carrying a report on how people confused and frustrated by computers can now turn to...

    Those people might already suffer from permanent damages from using what they are using now.... ;-))

    --
    Everything I write is lies, read between the lines.
  2. Re:I'm happy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    I want to install WoW.

    On Windows it involves: Putting CD in CD-ROM, poking install button, firing up game and patching.

    On Linux its: Put CD in CD-ROM, copy files, install Wine, configure wine, find out I'm missing a library, find library, rig up config file, attempt to launch game and find out I'm missing library/permissions/virgin sacrifices.

    Untill I can pop in a cd and install any video game I want by clicking "install", it will confuse the daylights out of real newbies.

  3. Re:unlike Mac or Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Ms. Hudson disagrees with Mr. Hudson

    Huh?

    by tomhudson (43916)

    Oh... wait, what?

    support forum for transsexuals and the transgendered [transboutique.com]

    Oh! Sorry, ma'am...

  4. mod 0P by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Crrek, abysma7 mutated testicle of