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GNU/Linux: It's Not Just for Desktops

Summary: Desktops and laptops as an area of computing are diminishing with the growth of other areas, which are often dominated by GNU and/or Linux

BASHERS of GNU/Linux like to pretend that only desktops -- and nothing else -- can ever count. The growth of smartphones and tablets is often overlooked by those bashers, not to mention the role of servers, devices, etc. (more on that in later posts).



While it's true that GNU/Linux is installed on some "Macs" [1] (this will count as Apple market share even though it's not) and laptops that were not necessarily designed to be running GNU/Linux [2] (i.e. may count as a Windows "sale"), some insist that in order to track the growth of GNU/Linux we just need to count something like a sale of Chromebook. It's probably time to stop feeding the bashers and instead talk about the growth of GNU/Linux (preinstalled) in various "unexpected" [3] and "weird" [4] places (see gallery [5]) such as Barbie dolls [6], television sets, etc.

In the coming few posts we are going to cover new examples of Linux expansion in various areas other than desktops (or laptops).

Related/contextual items from the news:


  1. Linux On Macs
    It is possible that some devices will not work, especially if you have a newer thunderbolt equipped Mac. It is also possible that you may experience a notable decline in battery life when using Linux over OS X. However, most of the responses I've seen, as well as my own experiences, have been very positive. If you have experience running Linux on Apple hardware, the Reddit thread would love to hear from you, and I'd love to hear from you in the comments.


  2. Pennsylvania High School Rolls Out 1,700 Linux Laptops to Students
    A few weeks before Penn Manor High School gave Linux laptops to every student, stacks of the unboxed machines filled a cafeteria. There the Lancaster, Pa. district's IT staff, high school apprentices and volunteers spent winter break configuring and testing all 1,725 laptops in assembly-line fashion, in preparation for the start of the second semester.


  3. 20 'Unexpected' Places Where You Will Find Linux
    As stated on comparebusinessproducts.com, Linux can be found in quite a few places than one can suspect. Let’s take a look at them below:


  4. 16 weirdest places you'll find Linux
    Linux is everywhere, if you look for it.


  5. Network World Linux slideshows
    Network World has published quite a few slideshows about various aspects of Linux; here's a hand-picked selection


  6. Barbie runs Linux
    The latest iteration of the Barbe doll merchandise range sees everybody's favourite blonde girl step into a new role as a software application developer.

    Barbie I Can Be Computer Engineer Doll is the latest model available in the Barbie collection.

    The range was first started in 1959 by American businesswoman Ruth Handler.

    Barbie has previously worked as both an astronaut and a racing car driver.


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