According to a company spokeswoman, "Corel's work on Linux is
designed to advance adoption of Linux on the desktop, where
non-technical users can enjoy its benefits." Indeed, the goal is no less than to create a desktop Linux with a "zero learning curve."
Corel Linux is being built around the Debian/GNU distribution of
the Linux OS. For the user interface, Corel Linux will use the K
Desktop Environment (KDE). The company also plans on
significantly enhancing the graphical user interface and adding in a
new installation program, officials have said.
Human resources, though, may throw a monkey wrench into
Corel's plans. Corel is looking frantically for Linux developers,
quality assurance engineers, and engineers. While the Corel Linux
Advisory Council has almost every Linux power player on the
planet signed up, Corel seems short-handed for the monumental
task that they company has set for itself.
If Corel is able to pull off its ambitious plans, it might have a
market. With Microsoft Corp. telling users to expect three possible
desktop upgrades in 2000, namely, Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows CE 3.0, and the last Windows 98 upgrade, Millennium, customers may prefer to look at another alternative: the Corel
Linux one.
