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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

Saturday, December 20, 2003

A conversation on the Linux desktop

Brian Proffitt of Linux Today: "'The Linux Desktop' is a misnomer. The Linux desktop has been here and better than fine for a long time. What we are really talking about are systems. What system is best for what particiular user. In this context, I mean GUI, application set, and hardware capabilities when I talk about 'system.' If we talk about Linux systems for home users, then yes, there is gap that needs to be met ... There are people out there that just need a browser, an e-mail client, and a word processor and nothing else. Linux needs to be marketed to those folks ... Linux on the business 'desktop' is already here. The available applications are robust and numerous and cheap. Support from the big commercial vendors and third-party companies is out there, in place and ready to go." He's right. And he makes what should be a stunningly obvious declaration near the end of this little editorial: "The fact that Linux doesn't have all that extra software that Windows does is actually a benefit in the workplace. How many times have IT managers had to fix a Windows machine because some worker brought a program from home and installed it? Linux systems let you keep your systems lean and mean right from the get-go." It's a point well-taken.

[ Posted at 2:42 PM | Permalink ]