Maddog's New Strategy, Linux Gaming Gloom, and ChromeOS
Today in Linux news Jon maddog Hall today said, "I am never again going to tell people why they should be using Free Software." Bruce Byfield says Linux gaming is a bubble dependent upon the Steam Machine. Matt Hartley says Google is making a play for Linux users with ChromeOS and Richard Fichera said modern enterprise Linux is looking an awful lot like UNIX.
Our top story tonight is the declaration from Jon maddog Hall that he's really getting discouraged. He's been singing the praises of Open Source software for 20 years and today said, "I am never again going to tell people why they should be using Free Software. Instead I am going to ask them why they insist on using closed source software." He figures when they shrug their shoulders, he'll be half way to convincing them.
Bruce Byfield today asked, "Can Commercial Linux Gaming Succeed?" In answering it, Byfield begins:
Linux games have always been one of the goals of free software. If game developers could only be persuaded to develop for Linux, the daydream goes, the operating system would start to gain serious market share. The last few years have lent hope to the dream, but the progress remains slow -- so slow, in fact, that its realization is starting to look questionable.
He says the latest version of the dream has lasted for 21 months but it beginning to look "a little insubstantial." He contends that Steam amounts to most of the money generated in Linux gaming today is through Steam and continued growth is dependent upon the Steam Machine. However, it's been delayed and other manufactures are working on their versions. He thinks commercial gaming came to Linux too late because free versions of popular games have already taken hold. In related news, GamingOnLinux.com has a list of just some of games heading to Linux in the coming months.
Matt Hartley said recently, 'Anyone who believes Google isn't "making a play" for desktop users isn't paying attention.' He points out that right now the two target demographics for ChromeOS and Linux are very separatea and without proper marketing, they are destined to stay on their own separate paths. He suggests:
Offer Linux on the desktop to the ChromeOS market through offline efforts. This means Linux User Groups need to start raising funds to be present at county fairs, mall kiosks during the holiday season and teaching free classes at community centers. This will immediately put Linux on the desktop in front of the same audience that might otherwise end up with a ChromeOS powered appliance.
In other news:
* Taking stock of Linux – maturation continues