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For six years, the Internet Nexus served as my technology blog, but I've since started blogging at the SuperSite Blog instead. If you're looking for the blog, please head there. --Paul

Wednesday, August 28, 2002

The problem with Linux
In this article, we learn the steps one needs to go through to get Linux installed on a Compaq Presario 711 laptop: Identify the graphics chipset, which can't be auto-detected by the latest Red Hat version on the planet, manually install the ACPI power management tools so the device doesn't burn a hole in your leg, try but fail to enable software suspend mode (heck, who needs it?), manually install crucial features like modem support and sound playback, manually install a battery monitoring applet, manually enable user access to the USB ports, try but fail to get Linux to access the Presario's special keys, and find and then install the secret (but illegal) software required to playback DVDs under Linux.

Or, you could try the Windows XP approach, which amounts to turning on the laptop. It just works.

And this, folks, is the problem with Linux. The author didn't even mention other important features like wireless networking and Windows interoperability, which are huge issues for many people, including me. And until the Linux community fixes these and many other similar issues, Linux on the desktop (or, ahem, laptop) will remain a pipe dream.

[ Posted at 11:48 AM | Permalink ]