Desktop Linux Workgroup Conference Call
October 10, 2007
Attendees: Too many to count
Agenda
* Pre-installed Linux OEM roundtable
* 2007 Linux Desktop/Client Survey – Launch
Pre-installed Linux OEM Roundtable
==================================
Moderator: John Walicki (Desktop Linux Workgroup Chairman)
Roundtable participants:
Lenovo – Brian Hardbarger, Debra Kobs-Fortner
Dell – Doug Anson, Matt Domsch, Cole Crawford, John Hull
HP – Bdale Garbee, Jim ??
First of all, thanks to the OEM representatives for taking the time to
discuss pre-installed Linux markets, experiences, issues and concerns.
The notes below are not comprehensive, but rather identify the common
items, the pre-installed Linux inhibitors, and some of the topics that
were mentioned, but not fully discussed.
Common Items
- Standard definition of what it means to be certified (yes/no results
are not always good). OEMs 'certify', but do not 'design for'
the Linux OS.
- All OEMs are dealing with sub-component vendors for Linux driver
support. In some cases, it would be great to have a "certified for
Linux" designation for components and sub-components. There is an
OEM and component vendor "chicken & egg" regarding demand for
Linux drivers and device specs.
- Need for an upstream standard for key mappings; perhaps standard
scan codes.
- Need robust architectural documentation on the design of a platform.
An example was the usage and modification of the network manager.
Inhibitors
- Perception of setup difficulties (user perspective)
- Offerings designed for regional requirements; not for general
consumers
- Education - who knows about Linux?
- Training issues (sales staffs, IT professionals, etc.)
Other issues that we ran out of time to discuss were:
- Integrated multimedia and dealing with DRM
- Application install/upgrade (3rd party)
- Sync'ing with various mobile devices
- Printing (especially new printer support)
- Consistent font and text layout - becomes accessibility issue
- Always more about open drivers (wireless, video, etc.)
2007 Linux Desktop/Client Survey
================================
- Contains a couple of questions to get feedback on pre-installed
Linux offerings (without naming any vendors).
- Translation complete for Russian and Spanish. Portuguese and
Japanese are due by the end of the week.
- Target deployment: Wed, Oct 17 (next week)
John
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