What is it?
Since 2004, excited industry commentators have been predicting a
breakthrough year for the desktop version of the open source
Linux operating system. However, 2007 starts
with a note of sober realism.
Hoped-for leadership from Google, reported to be developing its
own desktop Linux distribution, has so far proved to be unfounded.
Novell, the commercial desktop Linux leader with SuSE Enterprise
Linux for the Desktop, was deemed by Linux purists to have wobbled
when it made a deal with Microsoft to support customers who wanted
Linux servers and Windows desktops.
On the plus side, gaps in the range of key applications have
started to be filled. The Portland Project was set up to knock
heads together and coordinate the different desktop
initiatives.
Desktop Linux is likely to remain a niche skill for a while yet,
although the 2006 Desktop Linux Summit included case studies of
Windows-to-Linux migrations involving thousands of users,
suggesting that the ability to deploy, administer and support Linux
may become a sought-after addition to Windows skills.
Where did it originate?
The KDE and Gnome projects to create a free open source desktop
operating system emerged in 1998. The Portland Project began in
2005 with the mission to improve interoperability for software
suppliers, whose applications "must work regardless of Linux
distributor, desktop environment or version". It is hoped the
prospect of an unfragmented market for Linux applications will
tempt more suppliers to create applications for the platform.
What's it for?
Desktop Linux will appeal most to organisations already
committed to the Lamp (Linux, Apache, MySQL/PostgreSQL,
Perl/Python/PHP) open source development stack.
In addition to established open source applications such as
Openoffice and Firefox 2, "essential" applications such as Flash
and Realplayer are becoming available.
In October 2006, Portland 1.0, the first set of common
interfaces for Gnome and KDE desktop environments, was announced
with support from major Linux distributions including Debian,
Fedora and OpenSuSE. The programming interfaces provide developers
with an easy method for executing the most common installation and
integration tasks.
What makes it special?
Since 2003, some analysts have been reporting that desktop Linux
is competitive with Windows in terms of ease of use. Some Linux
champions also predict that the challenges involved in adopting
Windows Vista will throw the field open for Linux, much as the
changes after Visual Basic 6 undermined developer loyalty to
Microsoft. Windows emulators such as Wine allow some familiar
applications to be used.
How difficult is it to master?
Novell offers a three-day SuSE Linux fundamentals course for
those making the transition from administering other operating
systems. However, it is a long and potentially costly road to
certified Linux practitioner status.
Where is it used?
Most large desktop Linux installations are in the public sector,
particularly in education. Take-up is stronger in parts of the
world that are coming relatively fresh to IT.
What's coming up?
In its 10 predictions for 2007, analyst firm IDC said,
"Microsoft's client operating system anti-piracy campaign will
drive customers towards Linux."
More information
www.kde.org
www.gnome.org
http://portland.freedesktop.org
www.idc.com/research/predictions07.jsp
Training
The main choice for those looking to work with desktop Linux is
between paid-for classroom training - from the likes of Novell, IBM
and Red Hat, and independents such as GB Direct - and the DIY
approach using a combination of tutorials from Linux community
sites and books.
Much of the free online material is incomplete, out of date or
downright unfriendly, but a more systematic approach is
promised.
Further education colleges are also starting to offer Linux
training.
www.linuxtraining.co.uk
http://ce.bromley.ac.uk/linux
www.novell.com/training/courseware/ts_proj_info.jsp?pid=12578
Rates of pay
Junior systems administrators working with desktop Linux earn
between £26,000 and £30,000 depending on location.
Catch up with Hot Skills
Comment on this article:computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk