I found an excellent article that related to the rise of Linux and open-source software section of Chapter 5. The article brings up the fact that there has been a lot of talk about an open-source revolution coming, but Linux might be the software that creates this revolution. In the past, Linux was primarily used by IT pros and PC hobbyists, but that is rapidly changing. Today customer perceptions have changed and large tech firms such as Dell are seeing the power and flexibility of this open-source software. Windows software must be purchased and is rigid, while Linux is free and can be modified by users. In late 2007, Walmart began selling Everex's Linux-based PCs for $200. This PC is much lower in cost than the machines anchored by Microsoft's and Apple's operating systems. Linux can do all the basic things that most people use a computer for; surf the net, email, and write documents. Now Sun Microsystem's Open Office and Mozilla's Firefox can run on Linux. Therefore, Linux-based PCs could be a great fit for individuals getting their first computer or small businesses using multiple workstations. The major drawback to the software is the time and possible training costs spent learning an alternative operating system.I personally think that the Linux revolution may not ever come. I definitely think that there will be an increased amount of use of this open-source software, but it won't be the most used operating system. I think Microsoft and Apple will develop operating systems that are less expensive and involved then their current systems. The time spent training an employee on Linux could very well exceed the cost difference between the two operating systems. I think that Dell has made the right move by offering both Linux and Windows Vista on some of it's PCs. Let the consumer make the decision on which operating system they would utilize the most, maybe having both is the correct choice.
Jabulani Leffall (2008, April). VIABLE COMPUTING OPTIONS. Black Enterprise, 38(9), 60. Retrieved April 18, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1463787951).
1 comment:
I noticed many students in the college i am working for are having fun using Linux, but then again my college is a top engineering school and the students are mostly geeks :)
it's also interesting to hear about the $200 PC, couple years ago, i think someone invented the $100 pc that can be manually powered, and it's for kids in poor countries like africa to use.
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