Linux Ready for Prime Time?

[E Frank Ball]

} 
} One BIG consideration about Linux in prime time is the embedded market. I
} concur with most everyone on human intelligence vs. OS intelligence except when
} it comes to embedded.
} 
} Perhaps you could suggest to the reporter that the computing landscape is
} changing fast, and that the old measures (the key useability issues) will not
} apply to a huge wave of appliance-like computers that run embedded
} distributions of Linux.
} 
} Many humans will get their first real taste of compute power with devices that
} do not have keyboards, mice, pointing devices, GUIs in the traditional sense or
} even a local way to install software. Some appliances will be extremely thin
} clients for Internet-based applications. Humans encountering this environment
} as their initial intro to computers won't appreciate BSD's or GPF's etc. But
} they will be able to write and print letters at home, do their taxes, design
} art etc. etc., in addition to web surfing.

Agreed.  In a word:  "Tivo".

And I wouldn't give my grandparents Windows 98 either.  It would be
total waste since they are dead, but if they weren't I'd get them a Mac.
Corel Linux with KDE and Corel's office suite is about as friendly as
any Micro$oft product.

   E. Frank Ball        frankb at efball.com