| We're all Linux users |
May 23, 2007
 Opinion -- Ever since I wrote "Why people really don't switch to Linux," I've been getting email and forum messages about why I'm right or why I'm wrong. One thing I didn't mention, though, was that really, in 2007, we're all already Linux users.
There may only be a few hundred thousand users running desktop Linux worldwide, compared with tens of millions of Mac users and hundreds of millions of Windows users, but almost all of us are using Linux on a daily basis.
Chris DiBona, Google's open-source programs manager, in an interview with eWEEK.com's ace software development reporter Daryl Taft, explained what I mean.
Taft asked DiBona what open-source software Google uses in deployment or production at Google. DiBona replied, "We use the Linux kernel -- every time you use Google, you're using a Linux machine. And then we have some fairly common open-source tools that we run on top of those, and then on top of those we run our proprietary software for serving Google, Gmail and all the different services."
Did you notice that "every time you use Google, you're using a Linux machine"? Is there anyone out there, except possible Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, who's online and doesn't use Google at least occasionally? I don't think so.
This also reminds me of one of the constant arguments against Linux: "It's too hard." No, it's not. It's all about what user interface you put in front of Linux. Google has the ultimate KISS (keep it simple, stupid) interface.
As interface usability guru Jakob Nielsen recently said in an e-consultancy interview, when asked about the importance of simple-to-use interfaces, "Web companies -- the ones that have been really successful -- are all the sites that are very straightforward; Google is the most famous one."
You really never, ever use Google search or any Google applications? Well, if you're on the Web, 58.48 percent of all the Web servers you might visit, according to Netcraft's May 2007 Web site survey, are running the Apache Web server. And, guess what Apache runs on about four times out of five? Yes, that's right, Linux.
So, if you're a Web user, you're a Linux user.
Not online at all? Well, how are you reading this then?
But perhaps you're one of the 1.7 million people who use a TiVo to see if the Heroes do save the world (hint: the show has been renewed for a second season).
If you are, congratulations, you're a Linux user.
Do you have a mobile phone? Many mobile phones already run Linux, and such big names as Motorola Razr2 and Palm's Treo smart phones will soon be running Linux. To quote a 2006 study of mobile device developers, "Over the past year the percentage of wireless developers targeting the Linux platform with their applications has risen from 24 percent to 37 percent." Soon, it's likely that if you have a mobile phone, MP3 player, or whatever by your side, you'll also have Linux there.
You see, you may think of yourself as someone who would never use Linux on a day-in, day-out basis, but you already are. Linux is everywhere. Now, thanks to efforts from groups and companies such as Ubuntu, Dell, and Novell, Linux is coming to the personal desktop. Considering how well Linux has done in everything else that has a computer of any kind whatsoever in it, do you really want to bet against it being a success there too? I don't.
-- 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:
(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.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed