Living up to the Linux name, Jan 09, 2003

Debian stands out in some ways - it is the only distribution which caters to a multitude of architectures, it has the best package management of any Linux distribution and it has a social contract. The debian-user mailing list has the reputation of being the best source of online help in the entire Linux community.

Chief technologists are reporting favorable results, experts say. They say doubts about Linux are gradually disappearing as the OS gains acceptance and support from big-name vendors such as IBM Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co.

Vivitar and Lycoris announced that many of Vivitar's USB Vivicams have attained full hardware certification on the Desktop/LX Operating System platform. With Vivitar's new line of digital cameras being carried by retailers such as Walmart and Target, the consumer-driven camera company has announced support for the new Desktop/LX operating system on a variety of its new digital camera models. Certified models enjoy simple use and support under Desktop/LX Update 3, shipping soon from the Lycoris.com web site, retail partners, and on PC's directly from Walmart.com.

As a former small business owner, I can tell you that this is a powerful sales pitch. The idea of being able to handle routine server admin tasks through an easy GUI instead of relying on someone expensive is a powerful draw. Indeed, this message is at the heart of Microsoft's most successful business-directed sales pitches, and it trumps Linux's vaunted reliability, security, and other fine features often enough that Windows is still the world's most popular small business server OS.

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