PC vendors haven't been eager to know how many users run Linux when it's preloaded on their low-end PCs, and how many replace it with an infringing copy of Microsoft Windows. Everex, the latest company to introduce a low-priced desktop Linux system, will have the information, however, thanks to the software update system behind its Linux distribution.
Everex, a PC hardware vendor that is part of First International Corporation, is introducing a mini-tower Linux system called the gPC TC2502, which is priced at US$198 including keyboard, mouse, and speakers.
The system is not sold as "Linux," and includes a distinctive user interface that is closer in look to Apple's Mac OS X. A desktop panel includes icons for popular Google applications, including GMail, Google Documents and Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, and Blogger.
Some local software, including OpenOffice and the Rhythmbox music player, is included, but, "you get the idea that Google provides your computing experience," says David Liu, founder of gOS, the company that provides the gPC's Ubuntu-based Linux distribution.
The gOS distribution can't be redistributed freely because it includes proprietary software to support such patented media formats as MP3 and MPEG-2 files, as well as a licensed player for DVDs. Like other Linux distributions, nonetheless, it will offer an online software-update system, and Liu says that the company will be able to tell how many of the gPCs stay up and running with his company's Linux.
Chris Kenyon, director of business development for Canonical, the company behind the popular Ubuntu distribution, said at the company's press call announcing the Ubuntu 7.10 release that his company doesn't monitor the continued use of preinstalled Ubuntu outside China. There, as part of a crackdown on infringing copies of Microsoft Windows, "regulatory agencies are checking to see that Linux actually works," he said.
Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth added, "We can't tell the difference between an Ubuntu user who installed for themselves or one who used a system from an OEM."
Whether or not a user continues to run Linux on the gPC, the hardware, built around a 1.5GHz Via C7-D processor, has other advantages. When idle, its power consumption is 2W. Comsumption goes up to 20W at peak use, says Paul Kim, Everex director of marketing.
Read up on the latest ideas and technologies from companies that sell hardware, software and services. The state of Middleware
Strategies for Eliminating .PST Files
Delivering the Power of Choice with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
CRM your salespeople will love
Email Archiving Implementation: Five Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Enterprise Planning
Data grids and service-oriented architecture
Solve Exchange Mailbox Storage Issues Once and for All
Zones provide focussed content from Computerworld and leading technology partners.
Discover how SOA can create smarter outcomes for your business.
Attend and learn:
- How SOA is helping leading companies to become more agile
- Where you should be applying SOA processes in your company
- The top SOA implementation mistakes to avoid
Click here for more information.
- +
Computerworld Live Podcast #98: The Future of Datacentre IP 18/12/2008 10:33:00
CW Live speaks withLin Nease, Director of Emerging Business for HP ProCurve, to discuss the future of networks, including the effect of IP-based storage on datacentres, new capacity requirements generated by the use of 10Gb Ethernet, and how an efficient network design can slash energy and cooling costs, and help enterprises build a "green" image. - +
Computerworld Live Podcast #97: The Future of Enterprise Networking 25/07/2008 09:45:36
This week CW Live chats with Mark Thompson, global sales and marketing manager for HP ProCurve, on the future of the enterprise networking. Mark discusses the trends we can expect to see in the near future and how the right infrastructure can ensure your enterprise network is secure. - +
Computerworld Live Podcast #96: Security at the Edge 11/06/2008 09:22:22
CW Live speaks with Amol Mitra, HP ProCurve Director of Marketing for Asia Pacific and Japan. Today's topic: how enterprises are starting to shift away from simply controlling security via server logins, firewalls and moving to more adaptive security frameworks. - +
Data Management Edition #10: Multi-Petascale Systems 02/05/2008 09:12:33
This week we look at sustainability and the development of multicore technologies to build multi-petascale systems. - +
IT Security Edition #11: How to poison the Storm botnet 01/05/2008 08:51:55
This week CW Live presents a case study on how to poison the notorious Storm botnet . Plus we take a look at Cisco's plans for Ironport.
IT industry veteran advises caution on outsourcing selection in light of Satyam problems 2009-01-09 21:45:00+11
F-Secure Warns About a Worm Affecting Corporate Networks 2009-01-08 16:42:00+11
Research software developer appoints Susan Dart to new Business Development Director role 2009-01-08 09:08:00+11
Research software developer appoints Susan Dart to new Business Development Director role 2009-01-08 09:08:00+11
Anyware Introduce Two Powerful PCI TV Tuner Cards with S5 Power Up and Windows Media Center Remote 2009-01-07 17:30:00+11
Delivering the Power of Choice with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Join Ed Thompson, Research VP, featured analyst firm, Gartner, Inc., and Brad Wilson, General Manager CRM Microsoft Dynamics, for a new webcast, Delivering the Power of Choice with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, available now. Our panel will break down the best practices for getting the most out of CRM and you'll learn key recommendations you can implement in your organization. Additionally, you'll also hear Microsoft's vision for CRM.
