Watch out Windows?
Friday, May 31, 2002 by stealthcow | Discussion: WinCustomize News
By Ivan Noble BBC News Online technology staff
Four firms selling the Linux computer operating system are banding together to create UnitedLinux.
The move seems to address the criticisms of software developers who have to contend with a variety of different versions of the alternative, cooperatively developed system.
SuSE, Caldera, Turbolinux and Conectiva say they will release Linux products based on a common core system towards the end of 2002, making life easier not just for developers, but for computer equipment makers who want to have their products certified Linux-compatible.
But the UnitedLinux group does not include the dominant player in the Linux market, Red Hat.
"UnitedLinux will make global corporate Linux computing a reality," said SuSE chief executive Gerhard Burtscher.
AlexUnderCover
Reply #3 Friday, May 31, 2002 11:47 AM
Reply #3 Friday, May 31, 2002 11:47 AM
I totally agree about the activation thing. I understand they need to protect their "property" but when your a crazy computer user who is never satisfied with how your computer runs or you have major problems with your laptop (me) you need to reinstall every now and then. It really is a pain in the butt!! >
It''ll be interesting to see how this UnitedLinux does. If it has half as many features and didn''t freeze my computer every hour I would certainly switch!
It''ll be interesting to see how this UnitedLinux does. If it has half as many features and didn''t freeze my computer every hour I would certainly switch!
Mystakill
Reply #4 Friday, May 31, 2002 1:20 PM
Reply #4 Friday, May 31, 2002 1:20 PM
UnitedLinux sounded like a good idea at first glance. Unfortunately, the main push behind UL is to develop a standard *SERVER* Linux baseline. Workstation/developer/end-user baseline is not part of the plan (yet).
I can replicate about 70% of my Windows environment under Linux, but that last 30% is going to take some time. I''m still waiting for PPTP/L2TP for tunneling to my corporate network, DirectX for gaming, better 3D hardware support, Exchange connectivity, writeable NTFS support, and better ease-of-use features (Ever try changing resolutions or refresh rates? It can be done, but not easily or intuitively.)
I can replicate about 70% of my Windows environment under Linux, but that last 30% is going to take some time. I''m still waiting for PPTP/L2TP for tunneling to my corporate network, DirectX for gaming, better 3D hardware support, Exchange connectivity, writeable NTFS support, and better ease-of-use features (Ever try changing resolutions or refresh rates? It can be done, but not easily or intuitively.)
Mystakill
Reply #5 Friday, May 31, 2002 1:20 PM
Reply #5 Friday, May 31, 2002 1:20 PM
UnitedLinux sounded like a good idea at first glance. Unfortunately, the main push behind UL is to develop a standard *SERVER* Linux baseline. Workstation/developer/end-user baseline is not part of the plan (yet).
I can replicate about 70% of my Windows environment under Linux, but that last 30% is going to take some time. I''m still waiting for PPTP/L2TP for tunneling to my corporate network, DirectX for gaming, better 3D hardware support, Exchange connectivity, writeable NTFS support, and better ease-of-use features (Ever try changing resolutions or refresh rates? It can be done, but not easily or intuitively.)
I can replicate about 70% of my Windows environment under Linux, but that last 30% is going to take some time. I''m still waiting for PPTP/L2TP for tunneling to my corporate network, DirectX for gaming, better 3D hardware support, Exchange connectivity, writeable NTFS support, and better ease-of-use features (Ever try changing resolutions or refresh rates? It can be done, but not easily or intuitively.)
Mystakill
Reply #6 Friday, May 31, 2002 1:21 PM
Reply #6 Friday, May 31, 2002 1:21 PM
Oops 
I figured if I got an ODBC error, the post didn''t work...
I figured if I got an ODBC error, the post didn''t work...
WolfwoodX
Reply #7 Friday, May 31, 2002 2:43 PM
Reply #7 Friday, May 31, 2002 2:43 PM
Linux has a good thing going for it, but one thing they don''t have is PC games. Linux might go over yith the adults, but kids will stick to Microsoft. Most of the people I know have never herd of Linux, of corse, they all think aol is best! 
JavaBrain
Reply #8 Friday, May 31, 2002 2:55 PM
Reply #8 Friday, May 31, 2002 2:55 PM
there is a lot of going on in this thread. Cleanup in aisle linux! Where is that Janitor when you need him?
going on in this thread. Cleanup in aisle linux! Where is that Janitor when you need him?
Aleatoric
Reply #9 Friday, May 31, 2002 3:01 PM
Reply #9 Friday, May 31, 2002 3:01 PM
I use Windows (XP) and Linux, side by side. Linux has come a long way in the desktop arena, but there are still a few gotchas in terms of games and other third party applications. I think that except for those, if you set up a linux box with KDE and had some desktop icons for the internet and email, most people wouldn''t have any trouble using it.
There are things I like and dislike about both platforms, and there''s room for improvement in both. I do think that Microsoft is losing some of their grip on the market, mostly due to eggregious licensing terms and an unfortunate tendency to treat all of their customers as criminals (who are apparently waiting breathlessly to take every opportunity to steal the next shiny thing out of the box).
IMHO, that''s how MS could eventually lose the desktop. People do not like being viewed with suspicion at every turn, and eventually, they will abandon any provider who behaves this way. And Linux is only getting better
Enjoy
There are things I like and dislike about both platforms, and there''s room for improvement in both. I do think that Microsoft is losing some of their grip on the market, mostly due to eggregious licensing terms and an unfortunate tendency to treat all of their customers as criminals (who are apparently waiting breathlessly to take every opportunity to steal the next shiny thing out of the box).
IMHO, that''s how MS could eventually lose the desktop. People do not like being viewed with suspicion at every turn, and eventually, they will abandon any provider who behaves this way. And Linux is only getting better
Enjoy
Griffinme
Reply #12 Friday, May 31, 2002 6:52 PM
Reply #12 Friday, May 31, 2002 6:52 PM
I don't see this making much of a differance without some of the other major players on the Linux front. They need to pull in Red Hat and Mandrake to really make it look good.
messybuu
Reply #13 Saturday, June 1, 2002 1:52 AM
Reply #13 Saturday, June 1, 2002 1:52 AM
I can't believe that Linux companies are actually working together instead of against each other now. They are finally learning.
Larry Kuperman
Reply #14 Saturday, June 1, 2002 8:26 AM
Reply #14 Saturday, June 1, 2002 8:26 AM
IMHO, this is a last gasp effort by four failing companies trying to stay afloat. As Griffinme pointed out, they are not the major players in the market anymore.
When I saw this post, I checked on the stock price of Caldera. It was a $0.83 yesterday, a fraction of its IPO price. This company has lost most of its value because it failed to offer a product that people were willing to buy (as in PAY for). Pity, because when they bought SCO I really thought they had something.
I predict that in a couple of years IBM and the new HP (thats how the sales rep who called me referred to it) will dominate the market from end to end. They will either buy up the developers or negotiate contracts so exclusive that they might as well own the developers.
When I saw this post, I checked on the stock price of Caldera. It was a $0.83 yesterday, a fraction of its IPO price. This company has lost most of its value because it failed to offer a product that people were willing to buy (as in PAY for). Pity, because when they bought SCO I really thought they had something.
I predict that in a couple of years IBM and the new HP (thats how the sales rep who called me referred to it) will dominate the market from end to end. They will either buy up the developers or negotiate contracts so exclusive that they might as well own the developers.
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Reply #1 Friday, May 31, 2002 10:06 AM
He''s getting ready to make more changes that is going to make Windows users look for a different OS. I''ve been reading IT newsletters of his plans and they''re not good. I think Microsoft is cutting their own throat. Linux is probably fully aware of this! Good for them!