A HEATED thread in Diaspora presents strong criticism of a provocative (if not trollish) article from Mac Asay [1], who appears to be ignoring the rise Chromebooks, basically revealing either ignorance or dishonesty (while also mocking those who adhere to facts). There are already some rebuttals to Asay's article [2], which was posted/published/dumped in a Microsoft-friendly site. Some rebuttals are too rude to quote, but those who are curious can follow the links.
Wow. Talk about a Negative Ned take on the Linux desktop! I'm somewhat flabbergasted at this blithe dismissal of Linux as a desktop operating system. And almost all of it is based on the anecdotal experience of the writer's hair cutter friend Valerie.
For more than a year now, sales have been downright dreary for PCs and PC equipment makers, but new-generation Chromebooks running Google's Chrome OS platform have shown signs of bucking the trend. Late last year, there were many reports that Chromebooks were not selling well at all. For example, a ZDNet column cited some IDC research that apparently showed Chromebooks struggling.
"Up to 500,000 computers are discarded each year in Ireland, half of which are suitable for reuse. Every reused computer can provide 21 disadvantaged students with the crucial 21st century skill of digital literacy. After the data is securely wiped from the hard drive, the Linux operating system is installed, which is compatible even with older computer equipment," Camara stated in an official blog post.
Once Camara receives your donated computer, the hard drive will be erased and a Linux-based operating system will be installed, along with Open Office and access to Wikipedia. Kids will then have access to a wide range of tools and resources so they can learn a wide variety of topics through their new refurbished computers - thanks to you.