EARLIER ITEM
FREE SOFTWARE MENU
LATER ITEM
|
|
|
|
| 4th November 2003 | RED HAT AND SUSE LINUX NEWS |
Brian Grainger |
|
Today would appear to be a setback for those who wish to see GNU/Linux sprouting on desktops everywhere. First, Red Hat have announced that Red Hat Linux 9 will be the last version of this line and then, on the same day, Novell announces it is to take over SUSE Linux. Red Hat have stated that they are to concentrate on GNU/Linux for the enterprise and that the Red Hat Linux line will be discontinued. Support for versions 7 and 8 will cease at the end of the year and support for version 9 will cease in the first quarter of 2004. Consequently there will be no free versions of Red Hat Linux anymore and Red Hat have stopped supporting the consumer market. Recent comments from the Red Hat CEO suggest that when a consumer tries Linux they get a poor experience because it is not as simple as Windows to set up. Clearly Red Hat does not want to continue funding the support of such users. Some commentators have suggested that ever since SCO had their bust up with the United Linux group SUSE, another member of the group, was vulnerable. So it would seem with today's announcement. Novell are getting into GNU/Linux in a big way. A few weeks ago they took over Ximian, primarily known for the Microsoft Outlook look-a-like for GNU/Linux, Evolution. With their takeover of SUSE, Novell are saying that they will have a Linux solution for all, from the desktop to servers. Novell have hinted at a desktop Linux being released which includes Evolution and the Gnome GUI. However, Novell have their roots in network operating systems and catering for the enterprise. I cannot see Novell supporting the humble consumer, especially as IBM have some sort of arrangement with Novell on this new deal. Today's news comes just a month after another disturbing trend for desktop Linux. Just prior to the EU deciding what to do regarding software patent law, Klaus Knopper, who produces Knoppix, stated he was closing the Knoppix web site. He quoted the proposed software patent legislation and his fear that this would leave anyone wide open to litigation from a patent holder for the simplest programming ideas. Just as the Knoppix bandwagon was really beginning to roll the plug is pulled. The Knoppix web site pages are still there but are clearly not being updated. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
