Linux News: Distros

Google Sets Sights on Chrome-Plated Netbook OS
July 08, 2009

Nine months after launching the Chrome browser, Google on Tuesday announced plans for a Chrome operating system. The new OS will be tailored for netbooks. Google has already lined up several OEM partners, and it plans to put the first products out by mid-2010. Speculation is that Google is targeting Microsoft, whose Windows XP already runs on many notebooks.

Is Dell Building an Android PDA?
July 01, 2009

Here's one of the many questions facing device makers targeting the mini notebook and netbook markets: When business users or consumers want to access the Web on the go, will they be willing to set aside a smartphone or cellphone and instead log on using a next-generation PDA? Dell may be wagering the answer is yes.

Is Linux Suffering From Mono?
June 22, 2009

In the general population, "Mono" may be best known for infecting teenagers with the "kissing disease." On the Linux blogs, it's recently caused a different kind of anguish as geeks far and wide have debated whether it's infected Linux too. It's a different Mono, of course, but its effects -- or, at least, the discussion of them -- have been no less agonizing.

Smartbooks: Embracing Linux With Open ARMs
June 18, 2009

Asus notwithstanding, netbooks have received a great deal of attention in the Linux community for their role in gaining wider acceptance for our favorite operating system. So, when Freescale and Qualcomm recently debuted a line of what they call "smartbooks" at Computex -- featuring ARM processors and a low price point -- the blogosphere had no choice but to sit up and take notice.

Fedora Sets Leonidas Loose, Builds Collaboration Portal
June 09, 2009

The Fedora Project on Tuesday announced Fedora 11, the latest version of its free open source operating system. Code named "Leonidas," Fedora 11 takes another whack at virtualization, a technology market in which its sponsor, Red Hat, is working hard to carve out a niche. It also has several features that make things easy for desktop users.

Acer Greases Android for Netbook Duty
June 02, 2009

Taiwanese computer manufacturer Acer, which seems to be having an on-again, off-again relationship with netbooks running Android, is now reportedly working on one. Jim Wong, the firm's president of IT products, made the announcement Tuesday at Computex Taipei, Asia's largest computer exhibition. The first Acer model to run Android will be the Aspire One.

Clouds in the Forecast, Too Few Teapots, Much Ado About Ubuntu One
May 21, 2009

The launch of Ubuntu One into beta not long ago has sparked a virtual tempest of debate about clouds -- cloud computing, that is, and where Linux fits into it all. Ubuntu has already figured prominently in the news of late, both for Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth's recent assertion that Linux doesn't need Wine and news that the Ubuntu logo had been stolen!

Lies, Damn Lies and Linux Market Share Statistics
May 11, 2009

Market share, market share, what's Linux's true market share? That, in essence, has been the question du jour on the Linux blogs in recent days. It all started when NetApplications' Hitslink.com released some statistics for April indicating that Linux just passed 1 percent for the first time. Around the same time, however, W3Counter published figures for the same month.

Portable Ubuntu, Windows Live Together in Perfect Harmony
May 08, 2009

Want to try out Ubuntu Linux without giving up your Windows desktop? How about running Ubuntu from a USB drive on any Windows PC while still operating within Windows? Portable Ubuntu provides both of these computing options, no setup hassles or programming skills required. You do not even have to reboot the computer or set up a dual boot environment.

Does Linux Suck?
May 04, 2009

When someone criticizes our favorite operating system on the Linux blogs, they typically get called Windows fanbois and are sent packing. But when someone from the right side of fence takes the trouble to put together a video and accompanying slide show explaining *why* they think Linux sucks -- and, moreover, what they think needs to be done to fix it -- it's hard not to pay attention.

Oracle and Sun: Match Made in Hades?
April 30, 2009

Such was the excitement over Jaunty Jackalope's arrival last week, that the tremors are still reverberating throughout the blogosphere. It's been a virtual parade of reviews and first impressions, in fact, with the gradual addition of hands-on tips and advice. Jaunty, you've made a lot of geeks very, very happy!

HP Targets SMBs With Low-Cost Laptop Line
April 28, 2009

HP on Tuesday announced its new ProBook s-series, a new line of low-cost notebooks for business users. Aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, the laptops focus on security, reliability and ease of use. Users can select between Intel 4410 and AMD 4415 CPUs. For operating systems, buyers can opt for Windows Vista, downgradable to XP, or Novell Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop 11.

Jaunty Jackalope: Are Alarm Bells Ringing in Redmond?
April 27, 2009

With the release of Ubuntu 9.04 last week, it's not too surprising that few other topics got much attention on the Linux blogs in the ensuing days. Yes, there was a rather intriguing discussion of porn and piracy over on DaniWeb and LXer. hen it came right down to it, though, it seemed people mostly just wanted to talk about Ubuntu 9.04 -- Jaunty Jackalope, that is.

War Stories and Winners From the World of FOSS
April 16, 2009

So often the conversation on the Linux blogs tends to focus on problems, and all the many issues -- both perceived and real -- that keep our favorite operating system from achieving the ubiquity it so clearly deserves. That's why we here at LinuxInsider were so glad to come across some upbeat articles lately about the good news in the FOSS world.

HP Interviews Android for Netbook Position
April 01, 2009

HP has confirmed it is considering Google's Android operating system for use in upcoming netbook computers. However, the company has not set a timeline for deciding whether to offer Android exclusively or as one of several OS options for its products, if at all, according to Marlene Somsak, an HP spokesperson. "We are studying Android. We want to assess its capabilities," she told LinuxInsider.

Linux Barbies Battle the Command Line
March 26, 2009

Patents, patents, patents. Ever since Microsoft announced its suit against TomTom a month or so ago, patents have become an increasing focus of conversation on the Linux blogs. We've already discussed some of the rampant speculation about Microsoft's motivation in the case, as well as TomTom's subsequent countersuit.