ZDNET.uk takes a look at linux on the business desktop
It was nice to see linux on the business desktop getting a serious look at zdnet.uk It looks like they give a fair run down of the main business class applications (Office Suite/email/etc.) While pointing out that the installers were something that in a business environment IT staff would be dealing with. They seem to favor the GNOME desktop over KDE as being able to sit down and get right to work in.
That’s kind of surprising to me, I always felt KDE was more closely using the same paradigm as Windows…. anyway. They go into some good detail on several points, mentioning some software that they run that there doesn’t seem to be a good replacement for. A brief mention of the WINE project is made. In sum, they say that linux on the business desktop can work depending on the situation and if the IT department wants to make it happen. Of course, Windows comes preinstalled, so it takes something to overcome that inertia. I think there’s also a fear of the unkown “stick with the devil you know” mentality as well. Most computer users are very unwilling to experiment with new software, much less a new Operating system environment.
The above is one reason I’d love to see more PC’s shipping pre-installed with a linux of some sort. It wouldn’t be an inordinate cost for PC makers to offer that as an option. *(pick 5 distros ?) It’s something that I have done before on custom built systems here. But maybe, ultimately that’s where it needs to come from, the small independant shops?