Linux is everywhere

Quietly, but at a very fast pace, Linux is penetrating increasingly into consumer services, devices and products, from email to cars. A revolution called Linux is quietly embracing consumer technology. The operating system, which is still freely available through the Internet, has become increasingly popular and has put Microsoft software giant Microsoft into a new competition for revenue in the desktop sector.

You may not be one of the Linux addicts who downloaded and installed this operating system in your computer. Maybe you are even very vague about the concept of open source software. However, it is likely that you will also play a role in the revolution called Linux.

Linux and other open source software are being integrated into more and more everyday devices and technologies. From original TiVo camcorders to Motorola branded mobile phones. You often browse the web? Open source software is in FireFox browser. In fact, a large part of the web is run by Linux and other open source software such as Apache Web Server and MySQL database management software.

What is hidden behind all these movements? Large companies like MontaVista and organizations such as Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) . are trying to turn Linux - the operating system running on large servers, into small and medium-sized operating systems that can run in Small devices like mobile phones and other devices. The attraction from open source software is growing. An advantage is that the number of technology standards in the open source field allows to reduce waste due to incompatibility between standards in the 'closed' code software sector.

Mobile phones, other consumer devices are increasingly emulating many of the features of small computers. In this context, Linux can provide or integrate powerful support tools for programmers in the production of other applications.

In addition, although it is no longer free to consider aspects such as services, support and training ., Linux is also much cheaper than alternatives.

Although it is seen to bring a lot of benefits, Linux deployment still faces many difficulties. While many technology experts consider open source as a promising new field, many users and manufacturers are still concerned about the stability and ease of deployment of open source. "Many people still consider Linux the operating system of hackers. Meanwhile, the most important factor in the user product selection process is stability," says Rick Merrit, EE Times editor. , identify.

Even Linus Torvalds, a Finnish programmer and initiator of the "Linux movement" in 1991, acknowledged that Linux has a huge psychological barrier when it comes to entering phones and other devices. In a recent press conference, Torvalds said that 'users need time to adapt similarly to technology experts getting used to open source a few years ago.'

Stemming from these concerns, it is unlikely in the near future that manufacturers will invest in promoting the production of 'Linux Inside' devices. After all, however, Linux still has an advantage over Microsoft in not having to do brand marketing. According to William Weinberg of OSDL, the name Linux has become so popular before actual Linux products are released.

From online .

The Internet is probably the place where users benefit most from open source technology. Apache Web server, application running in the background for other web applications, is being installed on 50 million websites. The MySQL database also has 8 million installations, most of them in Internet companies. In addition, a large proportion of websites use PHP programming language (replacing Java).

Not surprisingly, FireFox, the open source browser built by the Mozilla Foundation, is also "ingenious" and has become popular. Even when it comes to competing with IE, a formidable competitor built into Windows, FireFox still has recorded 140 million downloads since November 2004.

To increase the appeal, Mozilla is focusing on researching email applications called Thunderbird. Currently in beta, Thunderbird has been downloaded and installed 21 million times. According to Brian Behlendorf, co-founder of the Apache Web Server project and also a member of the Mozilla Foundation board, Thunderbird is expected to have a 'grandiose' presentation within a year.

. to TiVo

Eight years ago, TiVo integrated Linux in its first digital video recorder. At that time, this was a radical move that the leader of this company did not want to mention. A small number of professionals buy TiVo camcorders for the specific benefit that Linux's flexibility offers.

According to TiVo co-founder and chief technology officer, Jim Barton, in fact there are many advantages to selling TiVo that are not directly related to Linux. However, a convenient and cheap 'operating system' makes TiVo invest more time and effort into other features for TiVo camcorders.

Seemingly aware of these advantages, TiVo's other competitors are also 'getting in the way'. Sony and other manufacturers have been planning to launch video sewing devices running on Linux in the near future.

. to wireless routers

You may not pay much attention to software included in your wireless routers. You turn them on, turn on the computer and the routers work. However, similar to other devices, the wireless router also has its own operating system. And when companies like Linksys, now merged into Cisco Systems, implement the 'outsource' strategy of installing the operating system to focus on real competitive advantages such as operational capacity and style. or marketing . So the chances of Linux in this area will be huge.

. to the phone

High-end, smart phones . priced above 300 USD make up only a small portion of the phones that were launched in 2006. However, it is on this market segment, Linux is taking advantage over Microsoft. Despite being fiercely competitive by Symbian and Microsoft, Linux has "overpowered" the world's second-largest handset maker Motorola, which recently launched two versions of the next generation Razr and Rokr phones. runs on Linux. These are impressive victories. But 'penguins' will still have to put a lot of effort into penetrating more popular models, taking up more market share.

Nokia Tablet 'For lipstick' For those who require high-speed wireless Internet connection in their hands, Nokia has just launched Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, taking Linux as a kernel. This is a remarkable development of Linux not only because Nokia is the largest mobile phone manufacturer. Nokia also accounts for nearly 50% of Symbian's market share, the company that makes a very popular operating system for high-end phones. Although Nokia will not welcome Linux in Motorola's manner, Nokia Tablet shows that the Finnish group cannot ignore an emerging trend.

. to Car

Today's cars integrate a lot of software and companies like MontaVista and Wind River Systems are reaping a lot of profit from entrusting to Linux to perform simple but equally important tasks such as securing the system. Anti-lock brakes are active. DaimlerChrysler's 'StarScan' exploration and analysis system works on Linux, although the high-end Mercedes product version relies on technology borrowed from Microsoft.

Several open-source websites as well as commercial journals posting information BMW is planning to replace Windows with Linux as the core of the new line of cars for iDrive entertainment. BMW representatives declined to comment on this information. However, if the above information is confirmed, the conversion is another memorable milestone in the development and development of penguins.

. to Zimbra E-Mail

Watch out, Thunderbird! Another open source email client is ready to take off. Zimbra, an open source company, is developing an innovative, web-based email application. Zimbra operates Ajax-based, specialized technology to build rich web applications. When using Zimbra, you will not have to leave the main window to check the mailbox or to view the calendar . Instead, just move the cursor to the path, a popup window will open and Full display of the corresponding information.

The program is designed towards business customers. However, in the near future, the application will continue to be upgraded to reach a wider user class as well as new features to be able to compete with 'banyan trees' like Yahoo! and Google.

. and finally Mitsubishi Home - Housewife Robot

Another impressive piece of information for those who are really obsessed with Linux: an operating system that can take on the role of a housewife when you're away from home. The Wakamaru is a household robot made by Mitsubishi. This robot can screen information from the Internet and pass it on to family members. Wakamaru can recognize 10,000 words and signal a warning to users about the presence of strangers. According to the manufacturer, the Wakamaru (named after a young samurai) is more outstanding than other robots thanks to the ability to actively communicate.