On Jan 7, 1:31 pm, "DFS" wrote:
> ... 'cause it's been 7.5 years and the results are pitiful.
> ================================================== ===========
>
> Linux Mounts MS Offense
>
> Leander Kahney 08.15.00 | 3:00 AM
>
> Some big names in the computer industry are teaming up to help create a
> free, easy-to-use operating system to rival Microsoft's Windows.
>
> Sun Microsystems, IBM, and Compaq have joined with Red Hat, the Free
> Software Foundation, and VA Linux, among others, to form the Gnome
> Foundation, a coalition to develop and promote the Gnome desktop
> environment.

Let's see, that was published August 15, 2000.

> http://www.wired.com/science/discove...8148?currentPa...

Since then, Sun has elevated Linux to a primary platform for Java.
IBM has sold thousands of servers powered by Linux, and when
Microsoft's "all or nothing" strategy prevented IBM from selling Linux
on their PCs, the sold the PC division to Lenovo. The one line they
still make, the Intellistation line, can be ordered with either Linux
or Windows.

HP introduced AMD-64 based Laptop and Desktop systems and offered them
with SUSE Linux. Even when people ordered it with XP, Linux could be
installed in less than 30 minutes. The same was true with IBM
Thinkpads.

IBM has Client for E-Business (C4EB) which employees can install on
their thinkpads as an alternative to Windows XP. Pretty much every
desktop or laptop used by IBM employees for work, is capable of
running C4EB.

In 2000, it could take 2-4 hours and 1-2 telephone calls to Red Hat to
get Linux installed on a computer, because it wasn't designed to run
Linux. Today, about 90% of the computers sold in the last 5 years are
"Linux Ready". Commercially supported Linux can be installed on these
machines in as little as 30 minutes, without a phone call, and can be
loaded with optimal drivers for that hardware in less than 15 minutes.

Apple created an operating system based on UNIX, and put it on display
in retail stores. The computers based on this system are selling as
fast as they can be produced. Apple can't keep up with the demand,
even at prices as high as double those of comparable Windows Vista
computers.

The industry, including companies like IBM, Lenovo, HP, Toshiba, Sony,
Dell, and Acer have worked very hard to make Linux easier to install
and use.

Microsoft has been working very hard to keep the general public from
seeing these Linux powered PCs on retail shelves. They have been
working very hard to keep the general public from knowing which
computers are Linux Ready, and from learning that their computer is
ready to run Linux.

The objectives stated in the press release has been achieved. And
much beyond that. Other innovations such as Live-CDs, VMWare Player,
desktop virtualization, and appliances has made it possible for
millions of people to use Linux, without giving up Windows.