[ILUG] Article on "Linux Desktop Countdown"

[fuzzix]

PJ Wall wrote:
> I have just been reading this article and I was wondering if anyone 
> agrees / disagrees / has any other comments?
> 
> http://www.cio-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=1010000239XL

These articles are nonsense. Ignoring that Linux is just the kernel
(it's kind of like asking if NTOSKRNL.EXE is ready for the desktop),
what does this mythical desktop readiness entail?

Gnome & KDE are both pretty easy to pick up for reasonably savvy people
and with a little work on total non-techs they'll get it soon enough...
the main stumbling block seems to be things have different names rather
than any lack of features. Oh, and it looks different. But these
elements should be where the focus is, not the kernel. I mean, you could
set up a BSD or Solaris desktop with Gnome and quite a few Linux users
wouldn't be able to tell :)

OK, I'm being a little facetious, but I think the press focus should be
on the popular desktops or the work of freedesktop.org, although I
recognise that "Linux" is used as a term to describe the kernel and
every single piece of free software and system tool which can be run on
there... Perhaps another term should be used... one that reflects the
fact that the system as a whole is a combination of GNU system tools and
a Linux kernel. Can't think of anything appropriate ;)

Is the combination of a speedy Linux kernel, X, a desktop/wm, office
suite, wine with DirectX emulation and a decent security policy ready
for the desktop? Well, it's on my desktop. I installed it for friends -
it's on their desktops. Seems ready.

There are problems with functionality - they'll be addressed as time
goes on (although things like Project Utopia will help accelerate the
process) but the real issue is a hearts and minds one. Proprietary
software marketing has been successful in creating the perception that
you gets what you pays for - both in businesses and in the home. Being
able to hand out demos such as LiveCDs helps shatter that but most
people like the little ruts they carve out for themselves.

I leave them to it. Desktop adoption isn't important to me. Availability
of quality, free software is. If someone expresses an interest in my
desktop I'll be happy to tell them about it in as much detail as they
require but I won't be found going door to door on Sunday mornings
handing out Knoppix CDs.