Intel Announces Streamlined Linux for Netbooks

n an effort to counter the growing dominance of Microsoft's Windows OS in netbooks, Intel on Tuesday announced a beta version of a Linux OS it has developed for low-cost laptops and mobile devices.

The chip company on Tuesday announced a beta of Moblin 2.0, a stripped-down distribution of Linux optimized for smaller screens on netbooks and mobile Internet devices (MIDs). Intel has fine-tuned Moblin for netbooks based on Atom chips with a simple user interface and improved power-saving features.

Most netbooks today ship with Intel's Atom chip but run the Windows XP operating system, which Microsoft ships for low-cost laptops. But Intel wants to ensure that every "ounce" of technology -- including Moblin -- put into Atom is optimized for size and power consumption, said Doug Fisher, vice president and general manager of the software and services group at Intel, during a conference call on Tuesday.

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Will Microsoft Abandon Windows to Compete with Linux?

As much as Microsoft loves to grinch about Linux, they've made significant changes over the years to compete with it--and will abandon it altogether to maintain their competitive edge. Windows 7 will be the last Windows product.

What changes has Microsoft made to compete with Linux? They've prettied it up a bit, revamped some of Windows hardware pain points, and fixed some of the infinite rebooting that must occur any time you install software or patches.
They've also done quite a few name changes over the years beginning with the Windows NT to 2000 name change. Then Windows XP. What the heck does XP stand for anyway? Now Vista, which for me is the high-end Windows Me (Mistake Edition), and in the near future--Windows 7, which should be Windows NT 8 if you're keeping up.

So what will Microsoft do after Windows 7 to remain competitive? I think they've realized that bloated operating systems aren't going to do the trick with the introduction of Netbooks and smaller devices. They've also realized that their bullying and scare tactics don't work with today's more tech savvy customers.

Ok, no more waiting. I'll tell you (and Microsoft) what their next move will be to maintain Desktop dominance.

Microsoft Desktop.

That's it, Microsoft Desktop.

They might follow it with a year just so you know which one you have when you call for tech support. For example, when they abandon Windows 7, the product will be Microsoft Desktop 2012, then Microsoft Desktop 2015, and so on.

Ok, Microsoft, tell me I'm wrong or pay me for the idea. I'll be waiting for my check. If we call it a "bonus," we'll get a lot more air time out of it.

Another Linux Desktop Diss from Red Hat

lmost a year has passed since I wrote, Novell CEO Disses Embrace of Desktop Linux where I told you how Ron Hovsepian, Novell CEO, totally slammed Linux as a desktop operating system and now another major CEO comes out publicly against Linux on the desktop. Red Hat's CEO, Jim Whitehurst, actually said "First of all, I don't know how to make money on it."

Wow, Jim, really? Perhaps you shouldn't be CEO of a Linux company.

How does Microsoft make money off of Windows? They sell it. I know it sounds crazy, Jim, but that's how it works. You create something that people want and they'll buy it. Isn't that cool?

I'm not sure which stone Whitehurst is living under but someone should leave it unturned and get a more innovative thinker in the driver's seat at Red Hat. I know someone who'd take the job and be great at it.

Desktop Linux can be a reality but not if we roll over and let it die. Whitehurst did make an interesting analogy using a Hockey game and comparing to Desktop Operating Systems by saying that he "doesn't want to be where the puck is but where it will be."
Hey, Jim, have you ever been to a Hockey game? The puck travels fast and sometimes unpredictably and goes in different directions based on which team is in control.

Jim, you're misguided and should be replaced. Unfortunately, it's guys like you who rise to the top. My guess is, though, that you won't last long with your obvious business myopia.

Apparently creative thinking isn't a prerequisite for the CEO position.

In this same desktop diss-down, it's funny to note however, that Novell's Hovsepian apparently has changed his tune regarding Linux on the desktop with a statement that he's optimisitc about Linux on the desktop, especially on Netbooks.

Now that's a departure from his earlier attitude less than a year ago. Ah, what a difference a year makes.

Linux can save millions of dollars on the desktop and if the CEOs of Novell and Red Hat can't figure out how to sell that opportunity to customers, then I respectfully throw my hat into the ring for their jobs. Oh, and I'll do it for half of what they're currently making. You know where to find me.

What do you think of Linux as a desktop operating system and the attitudes of these CEOs of Linux companies that can't figure out how to sell their product?