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Linux met the IT world today. No - not "information technology" but the
".it" world, which is Italy. I attended a press conference in Italy
where Questar announced that Europeans can now buy a powerful computer
running desktop Linux. In spite of a strike which shutdown all public
transportation in Milan, 40 reporters filled the room, making it a well
attended event. Reporters saw demos of two new desktop computers certified
to work well with Linux, running the easy-to-use Linspire
4.5 software in both English and our newly
announced Italian version. They also heard details about
how orders can now
be placed for the value priced computers starting as low as €469 ($577 US)
with shipment available to more than 20 European
countries for just 30 euros.
Besides Linspire 4.5, the computers also include one
year of CNR service at no
additional cost, so new Linux programs and
important software updates are just a click away. The library of
Linux software continues to grow
and improve, meaning many users will not need to spend additional monies on routine software
after their initial purchase to accomplish most computing tasks.
The afternoon session was full of resellers and OEMs operating in the
Italian market. Their demo included an in-depth look at Linspire from
the native language multimedia tutorials
at initial startup through the Microsoft
file format compatibility and ending with a demo of
CNR installing software programs and updating multiple programs with
a single click - all in Italian. Nice! It was energizing hearing from
attendees about their anticipation for meaningful alternatives and choices.
Linux has its roots in Europe and many countries have been public about
their desire to embrace Linux on the desktop. Being able to order an
affordable and powerful computer can only help. It will be fascinating to
watch the extent to which Linspire takes root in .it and throughout Europe.
-- MichaelThe Michael's Minute Meter
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