01.25.14

^{Gemini version available ♊︎}

Mac Asay Needs to Learn What Chrome OS Is

Posted in FUD, GNU/Linux at 2:59 pm by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: Rebuttal tackling another typical piece of FUD which belittles GNU/Linux as a desktop platform

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.

It is not hard to see why Asay is wrong. He bolsters FUD that we habitually find in ZDNet/CNET (CBS) and IDG (Microsoft-funded) — FUD that we see easily tackled in [3]. Even some pro-Windows sites show that large-scale migrations are happening which boost GNU/Linux, helped in part by the imminent death of Windows XP. The desktop does matter and GNU/Linux is gaining in this area.

Treat with great suspicion people who claim that GNU/Linux on the desktop is “dead”, “dying”, “irrelevant” or something along those lines. In recent months we wrote several articles on this topic, including:

We wrote a lot more on the subject, but this is just a partial list of posts from the past 3 months.

The pattern of GNU/Linux FUD in relation to “desktops” makes a comeback because sometimes those who give it a go are not being challenged. Ignoring and thus failing to rebut is not necessarily the wise strategy here. █

Related/contextual items from the news:

Why The Linux Desktop Doesn’t Matter Anymore
Yes, the Linux desktop still matters!

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.
Research Shows Chromebooks Doing Very Well in the Education Market

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.
Charity re-uses your old Windows XP machine to help provide students with digital skills

“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.