Mark R. Hinkle

Mark R. Hinkle: "Linux is ready for the desktop" In my view, Linux on the desktop is a viable operating system. It offers many features that are more innovative than commercial solutions. Virtual consoles, secure remote access solutions, true multi-tasking, and the ability to use robust journaling file systems all come to mind. Despite these advanced features, I have also noticed some parallels between Linux and some earlier versions of Windows. Let’s term these similarities as “growing pains.” I do feel that there are many cases today where Linux is an inadequate solution, specifically in the area where James Turner's complaint lies - in laptops(docking is my pet peeve) and multimedia. However, I believe James to be a high-needs user; it’s my contention that much of the computing world comprises low-needs users. These terms should not reflect poorly on either group... (more)

Linux.SYS-CON.com Exclusive: What Would UserLinux Look Like?

Last Monday at the Desktop Linux Consortium Conference at Boston University’s Tyngsboro, Massachusetts Campus there was a lot of talk about a “UserLinux” distribution. The topic was sparked by remarks by Bruce Perens who voiced a need for a distribution that was designed to meet community needs for a desktop operating system based on the Linux community favorite Debian distribution. I contacted Bruce who has been kind enough to interject some comments to my own text. They are marked [thus]. The thought of UserLinux sparked my thinking. The thing I like about Linux is that it’s ... (more)

LinuxWorld Conference & Expo

Nothing unites people more than a common cause. In the Linux world the "cause" is ensuring the freedom to pick and choose how we do business (with regards to IT) and the ability to work together to make something better than the individual parts. So it was fitting that at LinuxWorld in New York companies like Computer Associates and IBM were patting each other on the back and talking about how their collective vision was moving forward with better, more robust solutions for the enterprise - largely due to their collaborative efforts. As usual, the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo wa... (more)

CPUBuilders by Stratitec Linux Computer System

Colleagues and friends often ask me about Linux since they see it referenced everywhere from Business Week to quirky IBM and Dell commercials during football games. I am always eager to share my experiences - I say that it takes a bit of time to get up to speed, but it's worth it in the end, especially for those people who have been victims of the latest computer virus. The biggest hurdle for them is usually installing Linux. However, recent home-user PCs are making it even more practical to take the first step into Linux. Wichita, Kansas-based PC builders Stratitec announced a ... (more)

Guide to Linux on the Business Desktop Part 1

I originally planned a series of articles dedicated to building the ultimate Linux desktop for business users. However, after doing some research I changed my mission - this will still be a series of articles dedicated to the Linux desktop for the everyday productivity user, but it won't be a decree of the best business desktop. I think that would be hypocritical; after all, no business or organization is identical to another. Everyone has different needs, so flexibility in your computing solution is essential. The characteristic that is most appealing to me with regards to Linu... (more)