The Linux Extremist

One of the items that has hindered Linux adoption has been the lack of desktop systems that come pre-loaded with it. It’s not always fun, nor easy, to set up Linux - the uninitiated really don’t want to know about ndiswrapper, or troll around message boards to find out about drivers and hardware compatibility.

This is really a pity, because this state of affairs means there are many users who still remain in the dark about Linux’s performance, reliability and stability. If Linux is to conquer the desktop, it is likely that it will need to make some appearance as “just another OS choice” like Windows or Mac OS X. Worse, it means all but the most custom built systems are going to require paying a fee to Microsoft (or Apple) before one can build their Windows system. Still worse, those custom builders seem to be outrageously expensive.

This state of affairs, however, may be about to change. I recently saw a website which gives me hope - System 76 (www.system76.com). They specialise in building laptops and desktops which are bundled with Ubuntu Linux…and nothing else. They have systems which rival both Mac and PC platforms and even ape their appearance; for example, the resemblance of the System 76 Koala system to the Mac Mini is uncanny.

While System 76 is unlikely to be a rival to Dell anytime soon, it is progress. One can only hope that the arrival of Ubuntu - a powerful, reliable desktop OS - will make the likes of Dell sit up and take notice, and perhaps offer greater choice to their customers - namely, let them get out of the Windows rut. But certainly the arrival of Ubuntu Dapper Drake and System 76 is not likely the beginning of the end of Windows dominance - but to quote Winston Churchill, it may be the end of the beginning.

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