iain010100
November 2nd, 2007, 09:19 PM
You may have heard about Wallmart's gPC (http://feeds.cybernetnews.com/~r/CyberNet/~3/178264972/) for under $200, which runs a special distribution of Ubuntu called gOS (http://www.thinkgos.com/), 80 GB hard drive, 512 mb or RAM, and something like a 1.4 ghz processor. The OS was chosen because it doesn't require the robust hardware that Vista does, and it doesn't hurt that it's free.
This is among the great strides for Linux. It's a new face for lower income folks getting a computer, and the open source software developers will have a wider audience.
But the article mentions two downsides. Because Ubuntu doesn't support modems, the users need to fork out cash for broadband. Not always an option for poor people. Secondly, there's little chance of any real customer support.
This brings up two questions, what's the possibility that Ubuntu will one day support modems in order to provide cheaper alternatives for the lower incomes, and what can be done about support?
Do you think Ubuntu is ready for public consumption? For me, installing Ubuntu for the first time a couple of weeks ago was a breeze. Upgrading my desktop, installing certain apps, and other basic stuff required existing knowledge of computers and lots of forum searching. Maybe the installed apps are enough and no one will need support. But what about a non-techie grandmother on a retirement income having trouble getting her $25 printer working?
This is among the great strides for Linux. It's a new face for lower income folks getting a computer, and the open source software developers will have a wider audience.
But the article mentions two downsides. Because Ubuntu doesn't support modems, the users need to fork out cash for broadband. Not always an option for poor people. Secondly, there's little chance of any real customer support.
This brings up two questions, what's the possibility that Ubuntu will one day support modems in order to provide cheaper alternatives for the lower incomes, and what can be done about support?
Do you think Ubuntu is ready for public consumption? For me, installing Ubuntu for the first time a couple of weeks ago was a breeze. Upgrading my desktop, installing certain apps, and other basic stuff required existing knowledge of computers and lots of forum searching. Maybe the installed apps are enough and no one will need support. But what about a non-techie grandmother on a retirement income having trouble getting her $25 printer working?