Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

Long expected, Dell finally officially released its first line of consumer PCs with pre-installed Linux, Ubuntu 7.04, on May 24. Heres a closer look at exactly whats what in Dells initial line of Ubuntu-powered desktops and laptops. Dimension E520n The first of these computers, the Dimension E520n, comes from Dells budget-priced desktop PC line. The […]

On the record, a Dell spokesman said he “cant comment on unannounced products,” when asked about Dells forthcoming Ubuntu-powered PCs. Over on Direct2Dell, meanwhile, John Hull, Dells manager of Linux OS technologies, on May 21 published “an overview of what customers can expect from our initial Ubuntu offering.” Heres what Hull had to say. First, […]

In a May 21 blog entry, Ubuntu leader and Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth explained that when it comes to patents, he doesnt “think Microsoft is the real threat, and in fact, I think Microsoft and the Linux community will actually end up fighting on the same side of this issue.” A week before this, Brad […]

Dell reportedly will release its new Ubuntu-powered computers on May 24. In his blog, LinuxQuestions.org founder Jeremy Garcia writes that a Dell staffer told him, “We will be launching a Linux based OS (Ubuntu) on the E520, 1505 and XPS 410 starting next Thursday, 5/24.” From this employees note, it appears that Dell doesnt expect […]

Over in the DesktopLinux forums, people have been talking about why, if Linux is so darned great, dont people give up Windows and move to it. The usual suspects show up. There arent enough applications. The right application isnt available. You still have to use the command line for some things. Some equipment doesnt have […]

Partly in response to Microsofts recent patent threats to Linux and other open-source software, the FSF (Free Software Foundation) announced on May 16 the creation of a new activist campaigns team to organize public support into action on software freedom issues. In announcing the decision to create the campaigns team, FSF Executive Director Peter Brown […]

SAP AG and Novell announced May 15 that they have extended their relationship to offer a new joint support solution for customers who run SAP applications on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. These customers now have a single support entry point for the entire software stack: from the operating system through the application, to streamline resolution […]

Linux/Java has topped CEO Ed Zanders list of things to look for from Motorola as it attempts a financial turnaround. At a New York press conference this morning, Zander introduced Linux-based “Rokr” and “Razr2” models, along with new top-level executives. Zander opened the conference by introducing a new CFO, and new VPs of products and […]

Many users cant avoid Windows applications for one or two tasks, or a game—and thats where CodeWeavers Inc. comes in with its CrossOver platform. CrossOver 6.1, released May 15, enables enables Linux PCs and Apple Mactels to run more Windows applications and games, and with higher 3D performance, according to CodeWeavers. CrossOver Linux 6.1 supports, […]

Is Microsofts reviving of its patent threats against open source and Linux really something serious to worry about? Or is it a case of deja vu all over again and will Steve Ballmers patent saber rattling come to nothing? Lets see what analysts and “experts” think. Red Hats IP (intellectual property) team, smelling smoke and […]