What does one call a Linux computer?
| January 17th, 2009Here’s a conundrum that I came across the other day: what does one call a Linux computer?
We all know that an Apple computer is a Mac; and you must have seen the recent adverts by Micro$oft with their new slogan: “I’m a PC.” So, the question I pose is “Can Linux also use the term PC (Personal Computer) or has the term become too ingrained with Windows to be used for a computer running Linux?”.
Perhaps the first place to start would be to give an example of each OS’s advert:
PC: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hi1se9rH7S8
Mac: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4B4Z2OY9MQg
Linux (Novell SUSE): http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rtp5gNhBZgo
Because Linux is the focus of this article, I shall focus on Novells advert, which is a spoof of the Mac advert. Novell’s slogan here is “Your Linux is ready.” Can one own “a Linux”? It’s an intriguing idea, but not one that appeals to me personally.
Perhaps making the term for Linux is a little specific. What about a term for a computer running a free OS in general? Perhaps OPC (Open PC), FPC (Free PC), GPC (GNU PC)? Or can we simply call it a computer? Should we bother differentiating between computers of different OS’s?
I think we should. Or at least, there should be something in the name of the computer that tells us that it contains free software and a free OS, if not just for market exposure, then for people to know what they are buying.
I don’t really want to delve too deep into the issue (or non issue :P), but I really like the idea of an OPC (or just an OC? No, that’s a TV program). Just something to differentiate between an open source computer and a proprietary system.
Call it a GenII PC, for generation two. Proprietary systems like Windows and Mac OS were the first try at general purpose end user computers. Keeping people stupid about their computers will give way to at least knowing the difference between hardware and software. The proprietary lock-in approach will be recognized for what it is: A tyranny. I don’t know how long it will take or what kind of process will bring it about, but it will happen. I suppose after the transformation is complete a name will spring out of nowhere. A new name will be needed because people will interact with their computers on a whole different level.