Marcus Cake

The Linux desktop is important because it empowers the user with the key internet technologies that will transform many industries.

A version of Linux that can work for every person every time should become a reality within the next 12 months. Usability of Linux is no longer an issue - it works just like “Windows. At the moment, the best versions of desktop Linux will probably install successfully 90% of the time, satisfy the needs of 90% of users and will work with 90% of peripherals that you attach to your computer. These performance metrics are not high enough for mainstream adoption. “Windows offers a much higher successful installation rate and it is far more likely that your devices will talk to one another.

There are hundreds of versions of Linux. This is its greatest strength and greatest weakness. It is a strength because is encourages and delivers innovation. It is a weakness because it fragments valuable knowledge amongst competing versions of Linux. Code from each version is available to all the other versions and, with focus, the best elements become widespread. Each user needs one version that installs successfuly and meets the needs of the user. A desktop version of Linux is very close.

I am most familiar with “Suse Linux This version of Linux has been championed by Novell and is used by IBM. Ubuntu Linux is also highly regarded and has won some best Linux distribution awards.

“Suse Linux has a friendly graphical interface. It will install in about the same time as “Windows and asks similar questions during installation. It is smart enough to install itself alongside “Windows so that you have a dual-boot machine. A dual boot machine allows you to choose whether you want to use Windows or Linux. Windows is just an operating system installed from one CD. Linux is an operating system with thousands of supporting applications on one DVD. After installing Suse Linux, the YAST software management program should be started. This allows you to select from a further 10,000 software applications. It will be downloaded and installed immediately. I do not object to paying for quality software, but Linux makes it very convenient to obtain. The quality of the software is often a similar quality to those commercially available. Updates to all software on the Linux desktop is free and regular (every three to six months). This is the power of Linux at the desktop level.

The real power of Linux for business and entrepreneurs is beyond the desktop. Using Linux on the desktop does reduce business costs. Its real advantage lies in the ease with which enterprise software may be downloaded freely and quickly installed for discrete business purposes. This includes collaboration software, customer relationship management and development environments. Linux powers 70% of the servers and other devices that run the internet. The key server and desktop technologies that power the internet are included on the DVD used to install many versions of Linux.

To be familiar with Linux, is to be familiar with the key technologies underlying the internet. Such familiarity will be indispensible as the internet plays a key role in transforming many industries. One commentator has suggested that 90% of industries will be transformed by B2B Emarkets by 2010.

Desktop Linux is available today … and there is a 72% (symbolic, not actual) chance that Linux will work for you - a successful installation with the software you need and working with all your devices. The pending release of the next version of Windows may prompt many users to seriously consider Linux. If they have to go through the risk/pain of migration to Linux or pay to upgrade “Windows for additional functionality, many may choose to migrate to Linux.