If you think I’ve been joking about how cool Ubuntu Linux is, check out these two links to find out how well it is being supported:
Apparently, popular demand still means something to some people.
Go configure!
Recent comments by Microsoft’s executive management have opened up a real can of worms and this time offended rather than entertained the open source community. It seems that a certain really big software company somewhere in the Pacific Northwest is being accused of using “Threat Marketing” not only to ensure their control of the desktop, but also to suppress public interest in the open source movement. The claim is that building bridges with other big companies like Novell, Dell and Samsung, will be good. The question is, how many bridges can you build and how far can you build them before they become trade restraining monopolies and pathological deceptions?
Alleging 235 documented instances of patent infringement, the giant software company in Redmond, Washington is being accused of using scare tactics to wrench control of Linux and other publicly licensed software from those who continue to work diligently to ensure it’s usefulness and success. Comments inviting Bill Gates to, “Sue me first”, are echoing throughout cyberspace and continue to attract media attention. One can only wonder what the outcome will be this time as proponents of both the open source community and the closed source community choose weapons to battle yet another round over free-use licensing versus paid-use licensing.
In an article by IT Week a Microsoft spokesperson was quoted as saying, “Our focus is on continuing to build bridges. Microsoft and Novell have already developed a solution that meets the needs of customers, furthers interoperability, and advances the interests of the industry as a whole.” The spokesperson went on to say, “Any customer that is concerned about Linux intellectual property issues needs only to obtain their open source subscriptions from Novell.” Great! One merely needs to obtain (buy?) from Microsoft’s approved source Novell, in order to run a non-patent infringing, untainted or legal Linux operating system that is already free for anyone to use under the terms of GNU General Public License. Huh? Where does this leave all of the other popular and free flavors of Linux?
While the folks over at Ubuntu are obviously delighted over the recent announcement of Dell’s intention to install Ubuntu Linux on their new computers, other news resources indicate that Michael Dell has already signed one of Microsoft’s bridge agreements. However, that agreement indicates Microsoft will sell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server certificates to Dell under an alliance between Microsoft and Novell. Preposterous as it sounds, does this mean that Novell subscriptions will be required by Microsoft for Dell to provide the Ubuntu Linux operating system pre-installed on their new computers? Michael Dell is running Ubuntu Linux 7.04 on his personal laptop and has been doing so since April. It is not clear at this point who’s permission, subscription or certificate he obtained in order to do this without being sued for patent infringement. Perhaps he is not, “concerned about Linux intellectual property issues.” Or, maybe he is siding with other-high visibility individuals who take exception to Microsoft’s position.
Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu recently shared his opinion by providing timely comments regarding software patent issues and blogged, “In short, Microsoft will lose a patent trench war if they start one, and I’m sure that cooler heads in Redmond know that.”
© 2007 DM Jackson - All rights reserved
Dell has announced that it intends to offer Ubuntu 7.04 as its Linux desktop on new computers. In a February forum significant feedback indicated that customers wanted Linux on their desktop and notebook computers.
Dell’s response, a partnership with Canonical to offer Ubuntu on a variety of their new desktop and notebook products. According to Lionel Menchaca, Digital Media Manager, “This represents another step in the overall enhancement of our Linux program.”
Now the question is, if the rumors that Michael Dell has Ubuntu 7.04 running on his own new notebook are true, how does he like it?
We’re busy installing Ubuntu Linux desktop OS and upgrading the office computers here at WebMarket West’s offices in Southern California this weekend. For those of you who haven’t heard about the fine work that Canonical Ltd., is doing with the Ubuntu Project, check it out at ubuntu.com
Ubuntu is a South African word that roughly translates (transliterates, as no direct translation is possible) to suggest a universal bond of sharing. The principle of Ubuntu is “humanity towards others”. After spending the day performing several flawless installs, it does seem that Ubuntu Linux is more than deserving of the title, “Linux for Human Beings”.
After installing Ubuntu Linux 6.10 on 5 computer systems, things are still going smoothly. Once we’re done upgrading our office I hope to provide a more in-depth review and report on why switching to a new Linux desktop operating system might benefit your office.
A great big hat tip to the Ubuntu Project for finally providing a desktop alternative to Windows.
