[KLUG Members] Calling all Linux novices:

[Adam Tauno Williams]

>Are you curious about Linux, but haven't taken the plunge yet?
>Or maybe you tried Linux a few years ago and couldn't make it run?
>(let me tell you, it has changed a LOT recently!)
>Please READ this article about Linux on the desktop from Reuters:
>http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=2030789

Although the guy writes like he just drank seven iced cappucinos, this is a
pretty decent article.

Only a couple of niggles -

"Figures are hard to come by, but most experts agree that Microsoft software
runs on well above 90 percent of PCs"

I though Mac had like 4-6% market share,  and some estimates put the number of
Linux desktops at ~4%.  So 91% is "well above 90%",  I'd say it makes the 90% a
bit questionable - especially if you factor in the rest of the world.  But it
all depends on how you measure.

"But the numbers are growing, and at some point users will be able to buy
computers with preloaded Linux"

Wal-mart, among several others, like say: IBM?

"printers and other devices that come with Linux drivers"

By all the Powers That Be I hope this NEVER happens.  Put the little penguin on
it if it works.  The Windows driver model is so $&%^@&(*)(# $&&@*(()@ @^T^$@ stupid.

"desktop applications that come in both Windows and Linux versions"

Well, most Linux applications will run on windows.  Dia, GIMP, Open Office,...
  Shoot, there is even a project to make GNOME Meeting build on Windows, which
is just tres' bizarre.