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Philly0381
Philly0381
Join Date 11/2004
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Linux To Take Over The Low-End PC Market?

December 10, 2007 12:12:31 PM from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
Well there hasn't been any Linux news in awhile. Came across this on Slashdot this morning and it takes you to another link which I put below. It is written by someone who is a fan of Linux, so do get mad at me. It does present some interesting points.

The computer industry appears that they have just discovered the Low-End market, imagine that, and looks like they are attacking it as undiscovered land ready to be taken for profit. I'm sure if you have web searched or looked at news feeds you have seen that even Microsoft is trying to figure how to make XP work on the One Laptop Per Child computers. That should start some people talking. Have you noticed how MS won't let XP go away. Very interesting.

Okay, so lets not turn this into a real OS war post, but what are your opinions about the low end market and who do you see winning it over? Could it be this market does embrace Linux and the Open Source distributers of software/programs? Could this be the start of a revolution of sorts? Has it been going on and we just haven't paid any attention?

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Philly0381
MasonM
Join Date 01/2004
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Reply #1 December 10, 2007 12:25:17 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
The low end computer market will make computers available to a lot of people who have not really been able to afford one otherwise. Someone working for minimum wage can't shell out a lot of money for a top of the line box.

Linux and free, open source software in general is a natural for this market. Software is widely available free for the downloading as opposed to paying for each application. OS upgrades are free with no license fees at all. This is a big appeal to those with limited funds to spend.

I am always amused when some member of the press suddenly discovers that there is a completely free operating system and software choice out there. It's not like Linux just came on the scene last week. Millions of us have been using it for years.
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Philly0381
Gideon MacLeish
Join Date 06/2004
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Reply #2 December 10, 2007 12:26:42 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I don't see it as much of a "revolution", but I think we are entering an era of choice. It will have some good aspects and some bad aspects, but ultimately will improve the industry as it will force software vendors to become more competitive.
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Philly0381
ZubaZ
Join Date 11/2001
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Reply #3 December 10, 2007 12:46:58 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I need to add this to KeyboardLaunchpad:

The OS is a tool to run apps.

It should run the apps I use.
It should support my hardware.
It should meet my price range
It should meet my level of expectations on responsiveness.


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Philly0381
Wiccan1
Join Date 05/2002
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Reply #4 December 10, 2007 1:01:36 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
I think Linux is a viable option for low cost, entry level, PCs. Not having to buy a commercial OS would certainly crop the cost a bit.

Windows rules the OS market, so I would select one that has a similar layout. There are really quite a few stable, attractive Linux operating systems out there these days. I think they need to use a similar OS so that users will not go nuts when they see, or need to work with Windows.

I would hope they could bundle it with wine so that users could install any windows apps they have or would like to use.

Personally I use Windows, but have also used Linux in the past. I think everyone should at least try a Linux distro, even one that totally runs off a DVD.
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Philly0381
Philly0381
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Reply #5 December 10, 2007 1:13:04 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
Zubaz, being an individual of few words and someone who likes to get to the point of the subject your reply stated the obvious.   
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Philly0381
ZubaZ
Join Date 11/2001
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Reply #6 December 10, 2007 1:19:41 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
philly, you post an article like thins (which comes up every time any OS gets an update or every six months - whichever is sooner) and you get the obvious response.

There is no OS war going on.  There is better and worse marketing wars going on.

  • *inux wins for price. 
  • Windows wins for apps.
  • Macs win for UI (and to a degree HW compatibility). 
  • Amiga wins because we want it to be a winner dammit!
  
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Philly0381
Philly0381
Join Date 11/2004
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Reply #7 December 10, 2007 1:31:00 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums
So if there is no OS war going on, can we atleast have a snowball fight?  

Really no OS war, could have fooled me by some of the posts in the forums.   

Wow Amiga, really! After my C64 I went to a PC, never tried an Amiga.
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