A History of the Linux Desktop

The Linux desktop never had a beginning. It just evolved into a desktop over time. The initial purpose for Linux was to provide its users with an alternative operating system. One that was owned by anyone that downloaded it and remained part of the community through the GPL license.

The GNU development tools, the GPL license and the Linux Kernel gave birth to todays modern Linux operating system which found an early niche in the server market. Redhat, Novell and IBM where some of the companies that put Linux on the map for fortune 500 companies. The popularity of Linux started attracting newbies and that is what started the evolution of the Linux desktop. It needed to have good hardware support like video cards, sound cards, printers, flash drive, cameras and webcams. It also needed a simple method of installing software for computer iliterate users. Today's modern Linux desktop distributions all have these features.

The Linux OS is still different from today's proprietary solutions. The Linux community had influenced many proprietary companies to GPL their hardware drivers and software applications. Microsoft, the biggest operating system company in the world, is now threaten by Linux. During the 18 years of Linux Microsoft has not been able eliminate it. It has been able to slow its adoption through patent threats and negative advertising. In the end, Linux has weather the worst of Microsoft and it appears that during the entire battle users are now better informed about Linux.

So, that is why you are here reading this blog. Your knowledge of Linux will help you achieve your goals in your company and at home and it will empower you beyond anything a proprietary company can ever sell you. All you needed to do is download an iso from distrowatch.com and install it over your windows partition. That is the beginning of your journey to create products and sell it in the free market or to just use a computer resistant to viruses and malware while you browse the Internet. Since you own Linux the limits to its usefulness is only limited by your imagination. Enjoy and Welcome to the Linux Community.

CBO