Linux, goes mainstream and gets Serious

Lookout OSX and Longhorn

Published on January 25, 2004 By zergimmi In Personal Computing

I know that most of you guys are dedicated Windows people, and so am I otherwise how could I skin , which I will admit is something I really have relegated to my list of favourite hobbies, and am starting to realise the potential that the group of Stardock products give one who is involved in Web development and Corporate Image Design, that said I also have a strong affection for Linux, so much so that I am slowly including it in my consulting business as it becomes relevant to my Clients.

Recently Sun Micro released their "Sun Jave Desktop" for Linux, and when it comes to Quality, ease of use, Bundeled software and overall quality of a Linux Distro, Sun are on a winner, however I am not here to convert anyone nor sell product for Sun, I am however here to advise that Sun is really putting a lot of development into this Distro, and have just finished viewing their latest project, Code Named "Project Looking Glass". To say the least it is impressive and well ahead in development compared to similar products in OS X and Longhorn.

I have listed the site for getting info and demos from, and would say that it is worth a look even if only to get an idea of what is going on in the OS development world, by the way the technology that is being developed by Sun is using Java, so it is my understanding that this will be multi platform.

http://wwws.sun.com/software/looking_glass/

Comments

MasonM

on Jan 26, 2004

Personally, I hate windows because of the massive resource hogging of the os and the frequent lockups, quirks and crashes. I haven't upgraded to xp which everyone says is much more stable, but I just can't bring myself to send even more money to microsoft.
My desktop is running on 98SE mainly because my wife uses it a great deal more than I do and she's just not up to learning to use linux.
My laptop runs on mandrake linux and it never locks ups or crashes. I will admit I would love to see a better desktop than kde or gnome.
I know a lot of dedicated linux users, most of whom are programmers, who bristle at the suggestion that linux actually needs a truly good GUI. If linux is to gain popularity among the masses, a good GUI is a must.
I'll check out Sun's latest offering. Thanks for the tip.
I like the stability and minimal resource use of linux, but I'll admit that installing software, even from RPMs can be trying at times. This is another area that some bright programmers need to address. A good automated installation routine would be a blessing.
My computer runs much faster in linux than it ever did on windows, but linux still has a long way to go to really compete with windows in the pc market. And, I will admit that I do have a duel boot on my laptop for one single program; palace client. I do enjoy palace and when they finally release the linux version I'll finally be able to dump my windows off my laptop for good.
While I am no programmer, I am no slouch with computers either. I can write some very simple routines, in several languages, but would not dare call myself a programmer. Even so, with all the disadvantages, I still prefer linux to windows.
Tipping my hat to all who are working at mainstreaming linux for the masses.

zergimmi

on Jan 26, 2004

MasonM, have you tried loading WINE onto linux, it has come a long way and now runs most Windows software, by virtue of the fact that it is not an emulator, it does not slow down the OS, so running windows software on Linux is in the main not disadvantaged by the slower running speeds found when running emulators, although I do find that even with these in most cases the speed difference is not noticeable, I run win 4 lin on Lindows and notice no real difference, however I am going to run Sun Java Desktop on my new laptop, and am going to use wine where running windows software is neccessary, mainly because I am sick of running dual boot. For info on the latest deals from Sun try the following Link.

http://wwws.sun.com/software/javadesktopsystem/get/index.html

By the way Sun gives you its latest version of Staroffice as pat of the bundelled softare on this distro, as well as Xmain evolution as your email, calender and Mozilla as the web browser, which leaves IE6 for dead, all in all a pretty good offering considerin the $50.00 US license cost. Wine is free, and available from the WINE website, I am not sure whether it comes with the Sun install, but it probably does as most distros now include it.

zergimmi

on Jan 26, 2004

I forgot to mention that as with most Linux distros, Sun does have the full system available on CD as a demo which run straight from the CD, this is free and is worth a look.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!