Compaq Announces Thin Client Running Linux
Posted by
CmdrTaco
on Fri Sep 10, 1999 02:50 PM
from the aint-that-interesting dept.
from the aint-that-interesting dept.
ansible writes "
Saw this story on Techweb.com: Compaq has announced thin client hardware, including one that runs Linux. " The most interesting thing
is the fact that the thin clients have a PCMCIA port and 2 USB ports.
USB? Wouldn't it be swell if Compaq had some code for us? (he says
eyeing the unusable USB port on his desktop and laptop)
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Compaq Announces Thin Client Running Linux
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Aha, but there *IS* USB support (Score:5)
Both USB Host Controllers (UHCI and OHCI), Keyboards, Mice, Printers, some bulk devices (Hard Drive's, Floppies, etc) and some webcams have drivers off the top of my head.
With many more to come and it's all in 2.3!
What's this about busted USB? (Score:3)
--
Wouldn't it be great... (Score:3)
But the USB deal is just one of many things that is keeping Linux from taking greater hold in the desktop market. Once Linux gets things like more games, USB, cutting edge hardware/driver support, etc. then people will consider Linux as a viable alternative to Windows or Mac. I think this is an important step in the evolution of the OS. If Comapq could see their way clear to releasing some code for their USB implementation, then it would certainly help, and others might follow their lead.
I'd really like to see a big name company like Compaq seriously embrace Linux and give back what it develops.
-B
-B
Re:Aha, but there *IS* USB support (Score:3)
They aren't a serial to USB device, nor a WinModem, but they do understand AT commands. They show up as serial devices.
Printers, OTOH, are parallel to USB devices. But, I digress
Re:Finally Catching Up.... (Score:3)
Wyse already has one (Score:3)
Re:Wouldn't it be great... (Score:3)
They're a business. Their job is to make money. If they make money by doing things better, that's great. Right now, they like everyone else that's hopping on to the Linux bandwagon (Oracle, Lotus, IBM, etc...) the interest is twofold.
1 - it lessens their dependence on MSFT
2 - it's because customers are asking/demanding it
That's good enough for me. A company that decides that it's going to screw the notion of profitablility in order to only do things in a "better" manner is the one that won't be around next year.
I'll again reiterate my argument that while Windows NT is extremely vulnerable to the threat of Linux, Windows 9x is less so, and the MacOS is even less threatened... Comparing NT Server to Linux showcases NT's bloat. Comparing Linux to Win9x shows how much further Linux must go. I really don't think that Linux/KDE/GNOME/etc will ever approach the current MacOS in terms of ease of use. We're not talking stability or anything else. That's not a fault of Linux, per se. Just it's heritage from Unix, plus its' development by programmers for programmers aren't exactly "user-friendly" in the way the Mac is for the computing neophyte.
Thin Clients, WinCE, and Linux... (Score:4)
I sincerely believe that Thin Clients are the way of the future, especially for businesses. That said, it seems that people are forgetting a couple of things when they impliment them these days...
WinCE, while in and of itself isn't a horrible thing for Thin Clients, depends on Window NT TS, which is one incredibly nasty hack. Personally, I would shoot anyone suggesting we use a NT TS solution.
Linux is great for Thin Clients. Hopefully, the Compaq clients above are well-designed (basically, you should have a sophisticated X-Terminal). The thing here that Compaq and other thin-client makers need to pound on hard is: APPS, APPS, APPS. Being able to run StarOffice is a godsend, but they need to provide alot more to make a Thin Client truly useful.
With the backing of Compaq, I see this as a good thing for thin-clients. Hopefully, we will see alot more software developers produce X-based apps for the community at large.
-Erik
The USB developer for the 2.3.x kernels... (Score:4)
Exciting new USB peripheral for Linux unveiled. (Score:4)
Known as "APOBET" (A Piece Of Black Electrical Tape) it will be applied to both USB ports on their new thin client system, to enhance the appearance of the machine and enhance usability (by preventing user confusion).
The APOBET will also be available as an Upgrade Kit for Compaq customers moving to Linux from the Windows platform. A company spokesperson has been quoted as saying that the APOBET is also being tested for use as a retrofit for machines running Linux across the whole line of Comapq computers.
A Linux spokesperson was quoted as responding that "This fulfills the need for a robust, timely USB solution on the Linux operating system. In addition, it yet again proves that with Linux stability always comes first."
Re:Wouldn't it be great... (Score:3)
Internal documents outline the use of Elves at Apple in an unpublished commercial. They were going to dance around in shiny, colorfull suits. Then someone scuttled the idea with the "tanks and supercomputers" angle.
Pitty.
Re:Finally Catching Up.... (Score:3)
No, no, no, no. Linus didn't reject the USB patches because they came from a non-Intel platform. He stated quite clearly that he didn't like the way that those patches tried to do everything all at once for USB, and wanted to take a more gradual and simpler approach. That's why the USB support in the current kernels is the one that Alan Cox and others are working on.
Since when is Linus "not too fond of non-Intel architectures"?