Archive for the ‘desktop linux’ tag
The Year of the Free Software Desktop
Why is it that so many are focused on promoting the Linux kernel on the desktop as opposed to Free Software or Open Source Software on the desktop? Or, why does Linux have to be the kernel of the F/OSS desktop when there are now other available options which may be better suited to the task?
Linux became the “standard” kernel for Free Software systems, it seems, because it was the first freely available kernel which was actually useful. Now, however, there are some other options coming on line, namely OpenSolaris, and let us not forget our BSD brethren. Could it be that one of these other kernels (and perhaps userlands) could better serve the purpose of a quality Free Software desktop operating system? Excuse my ignorance, (I know it probably shows in this post), but the frenetic development process of the Linux kernel and its lack of a stable API for drivers are two possible disadvantages I can think of when it comes to using it as a basis for the Free Software desktop.
Desktop Linux Adoption: An Introspection
Daily I scan the headlines for more evidence of desktop Linux adoption. With more and more manufacturers offering pre-installed Linux, I have an increasingly sound basis for my hope. Many times I have asked myself, “is this finally the year of Linux on the desktop?”
Of late, however, I have been consumed by a different question: Why do I want the market share of desktop Linux to increase?
Among Linux enthusiasts (with whom I count myself) there is a stated desire to see the market share of our favorite product increase. No longer the choice only of hobbyists, we want Linux to be the number one choice of generic consumers as well. But why do I share that goal?
Am I a Free Software evangelist like Richard Stallman? Do I possess an altruistic urge to spread software freedom to all computer users? There is no doubt that Stallman’s ideas have heavily influenced my views in the area of software and elsewhere. Still my personal affinity for software freedom has not lead me to actively proselytize any of my friends and family.
Am I an Open Source evangelist like Bruce Perens? Do I desire others to possess the many practical benefits of an open development process? It is true that I greatly appreciate the increased security which transparency can bring and the responsive and participatory nature of such development.
Do I think Linux is the ultimately superior product? Is it so good that I think everyone should have the good fortune of using it? I believe that it is improving the fastest, but I cannot yet say that it is superior across the board, especially in terms of user-friendliness and confusion amongst the various distributions and desktop environments.
Is it simply hubris? Do I want everyone to use Linux because I do? Of course that has its appeal, but I rather enjoy being a “rebel” with respect to operating system choice.
It is all of these reasons, it is none of these reasons. So I am left without an answer. At times I think it is senseless to promote Linux on the desktop. Perhaps we should make it the best we can but keep it for ourselves. But such thoughts do not last long.
