Linux Desktop 2006: better than ever

Keywords: Match:

Dec. 22, 2006

Opinion -- I recently read a story that asked, "Has the Desktop Linux Bubble Burst?" Burst!? No, I don't think so. Actually, it still isn't even half as big as it will be when it's full.

Spread the word:
digg this story

The author goes on to explain that he feels this way because GNOME "lacks any form of a vision," while KDE4 is full of wonderful ideas, but not enough money and effort behind turning concepts into code.

I don't see that at all. I think both popular Linux desktop environments are making good progress.

But, you know what? I think focusing on KDE or GNOME is like looking at the trees and missing the forest. The last 12 months have seen extraordinary progress in the Linux desktop. I'd say 2006 has been the best year ever for the Linux desktop.

Let's start by looking at some of the latest desktop distributions.

Besides being a great desktop in its own right SLED 10 (SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop), comes with all the corporate support trimmings that big businesses want before they'll even consider buying an operating system.

Novell's openSUSE, now at version 10.2, has actually, according to DistroWatch.com's Page Hit Ranking, become the most popular Linux distribution around in the last month. Red Hat isn't pushing its desktop offerings -- for now -- but Fedora makes a fine desktop. We haven't reviewed Fedora 6 yet, but I have it running, and it's fine.

MEPIS 6.01 is a solid, Ubuntu-based distribution that everyone at DesktopLinux.com likes, and we see a lot of Linux desktops. Or, if you prefer, you can go with the pure Ubuntu.

If you like Debian, take a look at the Windows-user friendly Xandros. Last, but in no way least, if you want to maximize your chances of all your hardware running, you should try Linspire's Freespire.

Now, compare any of those with the Linux desktops that were available in 2005. Each and every one is a significant improvement over its predecessor.

But, the Linux desktop has seen a lot more than better distributions. It also has taken giant steps forward in interoperability. The Portland Project has brought GNOME and KDE developers closer together than ever. More work needs to be done with interoperability, but the desktop developers are already hard at work on such things as standardizing Linux audio and printers.

Now, some of this development, like the establishment of the D-Bus IPC (interprocess communication) system may not look like much, but it is. The foundation that the Portland supporters are putting together will make the Linux desktop even stronger for both ISVs (independent software vendors) and users.

Let's also not forget that Microsoft's Vista may yet drive users to Linux. Yes, I've said that before, but now IDC's analysts are saying it. They predict that Microsoft's big-brother-like "client operating system anti-piracy efforts will backfire. Microsoft's anti-piracy campaign will drive customers toward Linux."

Burst? No, the Linux desktop has just had its best year ever. And, as the Portland project standardization efforts continue to be deployed in KDE, in GNOME, and in the desktop distributions, 2007 will be better still.

-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

Do you have comments on this story?

Talkback here
NOTE: Please post your comments regarding our articles using the above link. Be sure to use this article's title as the "Subject" in your posts. Before you create a new thread, please check to see if a discussion thread is already running on the article you plan to comment on. Thanks!

Related Stories -- desktop Linux distributions

Related stories -- desktop Linux technology

(Click here for further information)

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.

Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.

Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.

Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.

Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.

Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.

Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business� operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.

Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Desktop Linux books Join our Desktop Linux discussion forums: • Moving to Linux • Linux/Windows debate! • Linux Q&A . . . and more Linux vs. Windows • in the enterprise • in gadgets & devices	Most popular recent stories: • A Vista vs. Linux matchup • Choosing a desktop Linux distro • Linus versus GNOME • Why Windows wins and Linux loses • The best free desktop Linux • Why Windows Vista will suck • 2006 Desktop Linux year in review • The well-tempered Debian desktop • Here come the Dell Linux desktops, laptops • Seven Linux distros fight over one old ThinkPad • Putting openSUSE 10.2 through its paces • Results from the 2006 Desktop Linux Survey

BREAKING NEWS

• Graphics board vendor touts faster Linux drivers
• Private St. Louis school goes Linux
• Xandros quietly acquires Linspire
• Microsoft pushes India toward Linux
• "Intrepid Ibex" plucks up courage for alpha release
• Military-grade USB key supports Linux desktops
• CentOS 5.2 ships with enhanced virtualization
• Ubuntu "MID Edition" ships
• Gutsy Geeks take Linux to the airwaves
• OpenSUSE 11.0 arrives
• Opera 9.5 gets mad at malware
• Sample chapter available for revised Ubuntu book
• Linux jukebox app achieves first stable release
• OpenSUSE forums merge
• Desktop Linux platforms debut at Computex

Linux-Watch headlines:
• Microsoft tactics push India toward Linux
• Bell, SuperMicro sued over GPL
• "Business intelligence" software goes GPL
• Will Atom bomb?
• LF Summit videos posted
• Linux gains "embedded" maintainers
• Virtualization on tap in SLES and RHEL upgrades
• Linux gets security black eye
• Verizon chooses Linux "platform of choice"
• Hats off to Fedora 9

Visit the...

news feed

Home \| News \| Articles \| Forum \| Polls \| About \| Contact

	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
	Developer Shed \| Dev Shed \| ASP Free \| Dev Articles \| Dev Hardware \| SEO Chat \| Tutorialized \| Scripts \| Code Walkers \| Web Hosters \| Dev Mechanic \| Dev Archives \| igrep
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Home \| News \| Articles \| Forum \| Polls \| About \| Contact

	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
	Developer Shed \| Dev Shed \| ASP Free \| Dev Articles \| Dev Hardware \| SEO Chat \| Tutorialized \| Scripts \| Code Walkers \| Web Hosters \| Dev Mechanic \| Dev Archives \| igrep
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.