From Windows to Linux - and back again, Feb 19, 2008

Seven years ago, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School, which is situated in a suburb of Melbourne, took a step that made it stand out from other educational institutions.

Last week I got a surprise call asking my opinion on whether the $100 million influx of funds was going to make a big difference in SCO’s future. All I could think was: “Damn, someone brought SCO back from the dead!?” I’ve since seen speculation that Microsoft, or specifically Bill Gates, is funding this personally and other insanity so I figured I’d weigh in on this non-news event.

The Linux Kernel is one of the most fascinating bits of software out there, partially owing to the vast number of contributors who are responsible for creating it. The Kernel has spread into many areas of our lives; it is used extensively in embedded devices (where its presence goes largely unnoticed) and it is ubiquitous in servers. Its growing success in servers comes at the expense of other established software companies.

One distinction between the genders, allegedly, is the ability to multitask. Now, depending on who you speak to either women possess this or men do but I’m not bold enough to join that debate. What I can tell you, however, is that Linux definitely does. And, in fact, many systems may not be taking full advantage of it. Here’s why.

PC maker and services company Elonex is to launch a $195 laptop aimed at students.

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