Well, the votes are in. The biggest paper in the United States, possibly the world, is talking about Linux. When that happens, you know that critical mass has been achieved.

In an article in the Technology area of the paper, columnist Larry Magid tells us that Linux runs Google, runs the TiVo that many people are finding they cannot live without, and powers the Motorola Razr series of cell phones, that have been such a hit for that company.

Magid asks : But why would anyone want to use Linux, an open-source operating system, to run a PC?

and gets back - “For a lot of people,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, “Linux is a political idea — an idea of freedom. They don’t want to be tied to Microsoft or Apple. They want choice. To them it’s a greater cause.”

Mr. Magid further states that the most compelling reason for use is the price - which we know is free. I would take exception here, as Linux is for many not free, as they sign up with various vendors for service, much as one would get service for Windows or OS X.

Many people will state that Linux offers the freedom that Mr. Zemlin speaks of, allowing greater customization than those mainstream operating systems. For others, it’s security.

The article continues telling all about things most of us know about Linux, but does give a good idea to many who simply turn the switch on and off on the strange box that allows connection with the rest of the world.

The author has given much to think about for many, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more downloads of those ‘live’ CDs happening right now - all because it was in ‘The Times’.

-

[tags] New York Times, Larry Magid, Technology section, Ubuntu, Linux, Microsoft, Apple, operating system, computer [/tags]