Other operating systems
Will Linux ever make it to the desktop?
The debate over whether Linux will ever be a viable operating system for the average PC user has been going on for what seems like years. In spite of the constant improvement in usability by distros like Ubuntu, Linux is still an imperceptible presence on the desktop. The Microsoft stranglehold is not going to be [...]
Microsoft’s hand forced on low-end computers
As previously noted, there has been a lot of activity in small, portable PCs (sometimes referred to as ultra-mobile PCs or UMPCs). The market is beginning to shape up in a major way and Microsoft has been forced to keep Windows XP Home alive in order to prevent Linux from walking off with all the [...]
Why won’t home PC users back up?
One feature that I hope Microsoft includes in Windows 7 is better backup software. Redmond made a step in that direction in Vista with the so-called “Shadow” copies. Unfortunately, this feature is not available in the Vista Home editions. What is needed in Windows is something that is automatic. As I have learned over the [...]
Mac takes over upscale home computer market?
Here’s an eye-opening statistic: in the first quarter of this year Macs accounted for 2/3 of the sales at brick-and-mortar stores of computers costing over $1000. Joe Wilcox writes:
The share data is for first-quarter brick-and-mortar stores, as tabulated by the NPD Group. Apple’s market share is but one measure of success. Sales growth is way [...]
How to try out Ubuntu Linux without installing it
Many PC users would be willing to try out an alternative operating system but are afraid they might mess up their regular system. There are several ways to run other operating systems without disturbing Windows or other primary operating system. One method is to use virtual machines but most home users would probably consider that [...]
Microsoft tries to block Linux on low cost PCs
For developing countries and even in the US, there have recently been a number of low-cost PCs being offered. Because it is free, some version of Linux was initially the operating system being used. Microsoft reacted by first doing its best to throw cold water on the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project and is [...]
Can Apple get a foothold in the office?
Although the Mac is picking up market share in the home, it remains a stranger to the business environment. In fact, Apple has basically ignored the corporate market. Since the iPod and the iPhone have gotten a lot of people interested in Apple products, could now be Apple’s chance at this market? The ability of [...]
Apple tops consumer ratings
The publication Consumer Reports has been a valuable reference for consumer information for years. The June issue (available only to subscribers) has a buying guide for computers. It also rates companies for their technical support and Apple comes out on top. (The same result was obtained by PC Magazine when it did its annual survey.) [...]
Can Ubuntu Linux make it to the desktop?
Although it has many virtues, even Ubuntu Linux has made little progress in being adopted by home PC users. The geeks may sing its praises but the average, non-technical user is still too often baffled by it. Part of the reason is the Linux reliance on the command line. Now, I love the command line [...]
Microsoft extends XP
From Sol Libes:
It took a little time but Microsoft has awakened to the fact that many users of ultra portable laptops (e.g. Asus EeePC and the Everex Cloudbook) have removed the Linux operating systems from their systems and installed Windows XP home. These systems are too small to run Vista, but, XP with [...]