Linux on PCs
Over the years, more and more people have heard of Linux. I have been watching this OS grow from difficult to usable, and recently I have really started to think the OS has a chance. I suppose the thing that worries me is seeing Linux distributions like gOS being sold at Wal-Mart. I am excited to see Linux pre-loaded on a cheap PC, however I would prefer to see an original Ubuntu distribution rather than a modified Ubuntu distribution that puts such a large emphasis on web 2.0 services. Linux needs an easy to use distribution that functions the way Windows users expect the machine to function. Then, the additional perks of having online repositories of free software and clearly written documentation in laymen's terms.
Linux on Mobile Devices
I have been happy to see the Nokia 770, N800, and N810 released with Nokia's mobile OS, however I would have liked to see more long term support for at least the proprietary portions of the system. I was also disappointed to see a lack of pre-loaded PIM software. It was easy enough to add repositories to allow easy installation of a fairly impressive software library. I personally enjoyed loading putty for the purpose of using my own encryption for my personal internet traffic through untrusted access points.Another mobile device I have high aspirations for is the Neo1973. I hope to see the retail version of this device released in the next year; you can currently obtain a really nice kit including the developer model, a debug board, and their OS pre-loaded on the phone. I just wish I were sponsored so I could give a review of this, however I plan on continueing on this idea after I actually get my hands on one of the advanced developer kits ($400 USD).
I am looking forward to the Google Android OS to be released. I have been testing simple applications with the SDK using Eclipse. I have found that Oreilly's Eclipse Pocket Guide was very useful to quickly familiarize myself with the IDE; which I felt was easy to transition to from Visual Studio. The Android OS features a built in web browser based on Webkit, a Google Map viewer, and Contact List.
I think this post is horrendous... however I will try and improve over time.
I think my next post will be themed around social networking.
If you read this, tell me what you think/hate/like?/how stupid I sound.
Later,
SteveO
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