Linux has made a big impact in the server room, but usability issues and lock-in to Microsoft Office have conspired to hold it back on the desktop. Has that all changed?
If Linux's developers have yet to see widespread consumer take-up for their work, it's not for lack of ambition. Miguel de Icaza, leader of the open-source GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment) desktop project, which intends to build a user-friendly desktop based on free software, this week previewed code that surpasses many of the sophisticated interoperability features of Macintosh and Windows systems.
Given all that computers do for people now--everything from run machinery to exchange mail to provide security--why must people operate on the principle that one size, one vendor, must fit all?
Learn how to set up Ximian Evolution for Linux as a full-featured Exchange client on Linux/Unix desktops. Additional reading: Corporate conundrum: Can e-mail survive?
Linux has made a big impact in the server room, but usability issues and lock-in to Microsoft Office have conspired to hold it back on the desktop. Has that all changed?
The good news for Linux as an operating system for the desktop--as opposed to the server--is that it is set to become number two after Windows in the next year or so.
Can you use a Linux system successfully in a Windows-dominated environment? That's what SuSE's Linux Desktop is designed to facilitate. We find that you can, although there are plenty of glitches to iron out.
OpenOffice.org is the freely available and freely developed successor to Sun's StarOffice and is a full office suite available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.
If you manage a lot of corporate desktops, then Novell's Linux Desktop is well worth a look -- particularly if you're happy with ZENworks. Linux pricing and Novell's corporate-style support could make this a useful option for business.
Linux has made a big impact in the server room, but usability issues and lock-in to Microsoft Office have conspired to hold it back on the desktop. Has that all changed?
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The votes are in: check out the Top 10 desktops for this month.
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Bootstrappr
From boom to bust, from unconference to BarCamp and beyond, Renai LeMay tracks the fortunes of Australia's startup community.
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