[Sussex] Is 2008 the Year Of The Desltop for Linux?

[Richie Jarvis]

Steve Dobson wrote:
> Hi All
>
> Yes, I know you've head it all before.  I've become somewhat jaded about
> the idea that Linux will replace Windows on the desktop.  However,
> others are more hopeful.
>
> I came across article [1] which I recommend to you for reading.  It
> links to article [2] about a large roll out in India that is equally
> interesting.  But what is most significant to me is how IBM are
> supporting Linux.
>
> It appears to me that IBM made the right choice by not developing a
> Linux distro of their own.  By providing support for a number of
> different distros are they not better able to support their clients?  If
> you want RedHat in the server room and Ubuntu on the desktop which
> company would you prefer to go to for your support?  RedHat, Canonical
> or IBM?  
>
> Sure all three have the skills.  We all know that one Linux distro is
> pretty much like another, after all the code base is the same.  But if
> RedHat recommended their desktop system, or Canonical Ubuntu for the
> server room, would you think they were making that recommendation
> because it was right for you or because it was easier for them?  If IBM
> made either of those recommendations wouldn't you think that they
> probably had a point?
>
> So will 2008 be the year of the Linux desktop?  I don't know.  I'll
> believe it when I see it.
>
> Steve
>
> [1]
> http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2008/01/27/linux-is-2008-the-year-of-the-desktop/
>
> [2] http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=46692
>   
>
>   
It would be very nice to see this happening.  I, being a 'Doze user at 
present, would be very happy to see the market stop forcing folks to use 
'doze by not releasing software or drivers for anything but windows!

Richie