Kernel release: 2.4.24-rc1, Jan 05, 2004

2.4.24-rc1 has been released today.
See changelog for full details.

Files added: 0
Files changed: 18
Files removed: 0

2.4.24 has been released today.
See changelog for full details.

Files added: 0
Files changed: 18
Files removed: 0

Every time I write an article about normal people using Linux with little or no training, a few weisenhimers inevitably accuse me of being an overly optimistic advocate by not warning readers that it takes a least some knowledge of Bash to run and maintain a Linux installation. The problem with this accusation is that it might have been true in 1998, but it is not true in 2004. It is now possible to run Linux without knowing any commands beyond point-and-click, cut-and-paste, and drag-and-drop. Indeed, those are the only ones I use for everyday computing myself.

"Microsoft still has the same basic business model as it did in the 1990s, a model that is largely predicated on creating software grand slams that compel customers to upgrade," said lead analyst Paul DeGroot. That's the reason why the company has been pouring so many of its development resources into Longhorn: It's looking for that next big hit."

Such a strategy, however, is increasingly showing serious signs of aging. "Short of selling customers on product upgrades, Microsoft hasn't found an effective way to convert its installed base advantage into a steady revenue stream."

Other challenges facing Microsoft in 2004, according to Directions' top 10 list, include keeping Linux at bay; rebuilding its partner network to stave off competitors to its .Net environment, such as Java; simplifying its overly-complicated licensing programs; and making good on its promise to improve its system management technology.

David Johnson, an Executive-in-Residence at Ariadne Capital, a London-based European venture capital firm, has been sharing with the wider technology investment community his take on Linux in 2004, from a European perspective.

Linux service provider revenues in Europe, he believes, "will flatten, despite continued exponential growth in new user Linux downloads."

A new open source in government conference has attracted several high profile political speakers, including a federal MP who will speak on behalf of IT Minister Daryl Williams.

The first Linux and Open Source in Government conference will be held early next week in Adelaide as part of this year's Linux.conf.au conference.

LinuxCertified has announced the availability of its first Debian Certified laptop. The new LC2430 model is pre-configured Debian GNU/Linux, is powered by a 2.66 GHz Pentium 4 processor, has a DVD and CD-R/W combo drive, and a 15-inch screen among features.

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