[vox] Linux referenced in CNN article

[Tim Riley]

CNN is reporting an increase in supply of Linux-based PCs from major
manufacturers. See
http://bigtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/29/pc-makers-move-closer-to-a-post-windows-world/

To provide some historical perspective, the article talks about
Micosoft's prior bullying of manufacturers.

"Ten years ago, such software experimentation was practically unheard
of. PC makers (called original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs in
industry parlance) bowed to Microsoft’s demands and Microsoft executives
mused openly about a world with Windows everywhere — in cars, clothes,
kitchens and living rooms. 'Microsoft had absolute control. A few of the
OEMs had tried to do some unique things, and they had been slapped
down,' recalled industry analyst Rob Enderle. Packard Bell, Enderle
notes, tried to customize some things in Windows. Microsoft wasn’t
happy, and the project went away. 'The computer makers were scared to
death of them,' said Enderle."

But thanks to Apple, manufacturers are gaining confidence in themselves
to challenge Microsoft.

"Not anymore. Now when industry insiders share their fears and
ambitions, they’re more likely to mention the iPhone. Apple may be
small, but it has shown the computing world the way to happier customers
and fatter profit margins: Roll (some of) your own software. Even Intel
is doing it. Rather than look primarily to Microsoft for the software to
flesh out its vision for handheld Internet devices that will use its
Atom chip, the giant has invested in Linux. Why? Because Linux is free
software and anyone can tweak the code, and Intel can make sure Atom
devices with Linux are specially tuned to conserve battery life, said
Anand Chandrasekher, general manager of Intel’s Ultra Mobility Group."