[Dclug] [Novalug] Where is Linux today?

[Maxwell Spangler]

On Wed, 2008-06-18 at 17:43 -0400, John B. Holmblad wrote:
> Maxwell,
> 
> I don't think Linux is stalled by any stretch of the imagination. 
> 
> If, as you should, you count instances of embedded LInux in your
> assessment than I would say Linux is taking over the world.

I don't want to beat this subject to death, but let me clarify where I'm
coming from a bit.  I guess I should have been clearer in my past
messages.

When I say linux has stalled I mean as a general purpose desktop/laptop
computer operating system as it relates to Mac OS X and XP/Vista.  I see
things on Vista and Mac OS X that I don't see on Linux.

My instinct is that as a whole those environments -- especially OS X --
may be producing a higher quality user experience than Linux has and the
gap between them might be getting wider.  This concerns me because if
this gap grows there becomes less reason to use Linux, something I have
used *full time* for over ten years.  This isn't science and its the
same kind of personal evaluation that make me prefer Honda while someone
else might prefer Ford or BMW.  My discussion was to see if others feel
the same as I do and if so or not, why.  In the best case, people give
me all sorts of reasons to be excited about Linux, I realize what I've
been missing and I get excited again.

Embedded Linux has an amazingly bright future due to Linux zero cost,
stable foundation, and long list of capabilities.  It's the perfect
starting point for any new hardware device that needs an operating
system behind it.  Server Linux for businesses is has an equal
opportunity.  People who use Embedded or Server linux evaluate software
based on features and trust.  If Linux can do it and they trust it, it's
a clear choice.  Desktop Linux for the masses (where my heart is) is a
completely different ball game.

Shout out to Serge: Linux may not be in flat panel TVs but Free Software
is.  Download the manual for large screen TVs from companies like
Samsung and you'll find the GPL listed in the appendix because their
using GPL software to play music and display pictures via USB card
inserted into the side of the TV.  Go Free Software!