Linux as desktop OS pronounced dead.

[Perd Hapley]

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/207999/desktop_linux_the_dream_is_dead.html

I just came across this article from about a year and a half ago. The author asserts that Linux's best chance at winning major market share on desktop/laptop computers came in the dark days of Vista, and with the opportunity to establish itself as a netbook OS.

Would any of our geek contingent care to comment?

[MicroBalrog]

Android for desktops and laptops. That's what we need to crush Microsoft.

[Vodka7]

These guys have too many pages to fill.

Who cares if Linux "wins?" I've been using it as my only desktop OS for a few years now. Suits me just fine, but I realize it doesn't work for most people.

[zahc]

As good as Windows is, I just don't think it's ready for the desktop yet.

When it comes to my own machines I've been Windows-free since 2007.

[CNYCacher]

Android for desktops and laptops. That's what we need to crush Microsoft.

Which is linux

As good as Windows is, I just don't think it's ready for the desktop yet.

When it comes to my own machines I've been Windows-free since 2007.

This, but not 2007

[drewtam]

Me and the wife unit have been using Ubuntu for years on my ancient desktop and somewhat recent netbook. There have only been a few issues (hulu, netflix, etc).

But it looks like the Android flavor of linux is really starting to "win" the market...
My mainstream smart phone (Verizon, Galaxy S)
- Android / Linux

My Barnes & Noble Nook Color
- Android / Linux

Wife's new EeePC Transformer tablet
- Android / Linux

My buddy's new Amazon Kindle
- Android / Linux

All the recent electronic purchases that I, distant family or a friend has made seems to be either an Apple product (Linux kernel?) or Android.

The only foothold Microsoft has in our house is the XBox, which has been a good device.

[drewtam]

By the way, Netflix has made itself available on all these Android/Linux systems (Phone, Nook, Tablets, Kindle Fire) still not the desktop.

[Vodka7]

Amazon streaming works fine in Linux, though.

[AZRedhawk44]

Can a person download and install Android on a netbook or laptop... or even desktop machine?

[mtnbkr]

Meh.  I started using Linux as a desktop OS in 1997 and used it exclusively from 98-2001 (no dual boot, no Wine, no Windows VMs). With Win2k, I went back to Windows on the desktop, eventually moving to WinXP, then Win7.  While I love Linux on the server or small footprint side, I have no need for it on a desktop or laptop.  Frankly, since Win2k, Windows works for me and I don't suffer the failures, issues, difficulties, etc that everyone seems to experience.  I've found Win7 to be the best desktop OS I've ever tried.

I still give Linux a try on a desktop from time to time to see if things have changed enough to warrant a switch.  But so far, I haven't seen anything compelling enough to switch back to Linux. 

FWIW, if your Linux experience begins after 2000, you've had it easy.  Prior to Redhat 5 in 1999, Linux was a PITA to install on anything that wasn't purpose built to run Linux (total hell to install on a laptop).  I built my first dedicated Linux box in 1997, selecting components with known Linux support, and it still took a lot of tinkering to get it all working.  Redhat 5 was the first Linux distro to autoconfigure many devices properly at install time.  LCD displays, modems, sound cards, etc all worked.  That was a quantum leap compared to what came before with Linux.

Chris

[CNYCacher]

Can a person download and install Android on a netbook or laptop... or even desktop machine?

I don't see why not, although a touch-sensitive screen would almost be a requirement I imagine.

Meh.  I started using Linux as a desktop OS in 1997 and used it exclusively from 98-2001 (no dual boot, no Wine, no Windows VMs). With Win2k, I went back to Windows on the desktop, eventually moving to WinXP, then Win7.  While I love Linux on the server or small footprint side, I have no need for it on a desktop or laptop.  Frankly, since Win2k, Windows works for me and I don't suffer the failures, issues, difficulties, etc that everyone seems to experience.  I've found Win7 to be the best desktop OS I've ever tried.

I still give Linux a try on a desktop from time to time to see if things have changed enough to warrant a switch.  But so far, I haven't seen anything compelling enough to switch back to Linux. 

FWIW, if your Linux experience begins after 2000, you've had it easy.  Prior to Redhat 5 in 1999, Linux was a PITA to install on anything that wasn't purpose built to run Linux (total hell to install on a laptop).  I built my first dedicated Linux box in 1997, selecting components with known Linux support, and it still took a lot of tinkering to get it all working.  Redhat 5 was the first Linux distro to autoconfigure many devices properly at install time.  LCD displays, modems, sound cards, etc all worked.  That was a quantum leap compared to what came before with Linux.

Chris

This, except 1998 and I never went back.

[MicroBalrog]

Which is linux

Well yes, exactly the point I was trying to make. Android is a user-friendly, smooth-running Linux, and there is plenty of content for it. If it were available on the desktop, it'd be the perfect Windows killer.

[lee n. field]

These guys have too many pages to fill.

That right there.  

Who cares if Linux "wins?" I've been using it as my only desktop OS for a few years now. Suits me just fine, but I realize it doesn't work for most people.

I've been seeing these stories for at least a decade.  I ignore them.  I don't care what other people use.

I've used a wide variety of things in my time.  Wider than most.  Deskview and OS/2.  Atari GEM.  On and on.  

[lee n. field]

All the recent electronic purchases that I, distant family or a friend has made seems to be either an Apple product (Linux kernel?)

OSX is based on some flavor of BSD, if I remember correctly.  Or was it Mach?

[roo_ster]

OSX is based on some flavor of BSD, if I remember correctly.  Or was it Mach?

The latter, IIRC.  I ran MKlinux on an old Mac with the Nubus architecture. 

[mtnbkr]

I've been seeing these stories for at least a decade.  I ignore them.  I don't care what other people use.

They mainly serve to get the geeks riled up.  It's kind of like a 9mm vs 45ACP article in a gun rag.

Desktop OS might have mattered a bit back before Linux had multiple Office packages (and Google Docs) available, but the way things work these days, it really doesn't matter what you run.

Chris

[GigaBuist]

OSX is based on some flavor of BSD, if I remember correctly.  Or was it Mach?

It's FreeBSD at its core with a Mach/micro kernel design floating around it is the best way I can think of explaining it.

[RevDisk]

They mainly serve to get the geeks riled up.  It's kind of like a 9mm vs 45ACP article in a gun rag.

Desktop OS might have mattered a bit back before Linux had multiple Office packages (and Google Docs) available, but the way things work these days, it really doesn't matter what you run.

Chris

Bingo. The overwhelming majority of "productivity" is specialized apps (which run "best" on something specific), email or web apps.  First, you go with the recommended specs.  Second two, it rarely matters what you use, but everyone has a lengthy opinion.

[Fitz]

Use what you like. Don't be an OS evangelist. No one likes that guy

[zxcvbob]

Can a person download and install Android on a netbook or laptop... or even desktop machine?

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/22665/run-android-on-your-netbook-or-desktop/

I think I have a spare 2.5" HDD, I may try installing it on my netbooks.

[Fitz]

I just installed Android on my HP touchpad.

Nice little tablet... and I got two of them for less than the cost of one iPad!

[MicroBalrog]

Second two, it rarely matters what you use, but everyone has a lengthy opinion.

And there are idiots who insist everyone must use the same anyway.

"I insist you use MS Office when you do work for me!"

"Sure. Just as soon as you buy me a legal copy of MS office. I'm not your employee. I'm a contractor."

"Just get a pirate copy!"

[zxcvbob]

And there are idiots who insist everyone must use the same anyway.

"I insist you use MS Office when you do work for me!"

"Sure. Just as soon as you buy me a legal copy of MS office. I'm not your employee. I'm a contractor."

"Just get a pirate copy!"

If only there was a portable document format...

[MicroBalrog]

I just save everything in .doc, preview in the free document viewer MS hands out, email it to the client.

This is superior for future editing and word counts.

[zxcvbob]

I just save everything in .doc, preview in the free document viewer MS hands out, email it to the client.

This is superior for future editing and word counts.

Yeah, I know.  But you gotta admit the PDF joke was amusing.  :)