Journal oblonski's Journal: A Computer That Works With Google, Not Microsoft
A short write-up over at the New York Times informs us of a new $200 pc available from Wal Mart (!), that runs a customized version of linux and is tweaked to optimally run most Google applications online, cutting out the need for desktop software or OS, for that matter.
Apart from the specs (1.5 GHz via processor, 512MB RAM, 80MB HDD), mind you it does cost $200 sans monitor etc; this is an important step in the right direction for all penguins everywhere.
From the article: Advocates of Linux, the free open-source operating system, like to say that buying a standard-issue computer involves a Microsoft Tax, because you have no choice but to pay for Windows. New versions of Linux and inexpensive hardware like the new Everex gPC TC2502 make that tax avoidable.
This computer has a 1.5-gigahertz Via processor, 512 megabytes of memory and an 80-gigabyte hard drive. What makes it stand out, however, is GOS, a version of Linux specially made to run Google applications like GMail and Google Documents. It also runs OpenOffice, an open-source office suite that can handle Microsoft Word documents, and some multimedia applications.
The interface features an intuitive desktop interface with a set of icons. Clicking on the Map icon, for example, brings up Google Maps. The ostensible goal is to move much of the processing from the PC to the Internet.
The gPC is available now at Wal-Mart for $200, including a keyboard and mouse. A monitor costs extra, and the Microsoft Tax is missing entirely. JOHN BIGGS
Apart from the specs (1.5 GHz via processor, 512MB RAM, 80MB HDD), mind you it does cost $200 sans monitor etc; this is an important step in the right direction for all penguins everywhere.
From the article: Advocates of Linux, the free open-source operating system, like to say that buying a standard-issue computer involves a Microsoft Tax, because you have no choice but to pay for Windows. New versions of Linux and inexpensive hardware like the new Everex gPC TC2502 make that tax avoidable.
This computer has a 1.5-gigahertz Via processor, 512 megabytes of memory and an 80-gigabyte hard drive. What makes it stand out, however, is GOS, a version of Linux specially made to run Google applications like GMail and Google Documents. It also runs OpenOffice, an open-source office suite that can handle Microsoft Word documents, and some multimedia applications.
The interface features an intuitive desktop interface with a set of icons. Clicking on the Map icon, for example, brings up Google Maps. The ostensible goal is to move much of the processing from the PC to the Internet.
The gPC is available now at Wal-Mart for $200, including a keyboard and mouse. A monitor costs extra, and the Microsoft Tax is missing entirely. JOHN BIGGS
A Computer That Works With Google, Not Microsoft More Login
A Computer That Works With Google, Not Microsoft
Slashdot Top Deals