Oracle and SUN Archive

Guest columnist Tom Adelstein takes a look at the latest version of Sun's Java Desktop System. Adelstein, the author of a forthcoming book on Sun's JDS, offers a well-schooled view of how this version of the Linux desktop is a serious challenger to Microsoft.

Sun Microsystems, a company that has been making noise lately in the Linux desktop market with StarOffice 7 and Java Desktop System, is currently working on an experimental 3D successor to Java Desktop that they believe will change the way we interact with computers, and in the end elevate the popularity of Linux in general.

Xandros is preparing to release the business edition of their popular Linux desktop distribution. Here's what we found out so far about this new product.

If HP and IBM can't make money selling the same or lesser boxes for more, what reason is there to believe that Sun can? Scott McNealy used to describe x86 retailing as adding bruises to bananas, but now he's doing it. Read the article at LinuxInsider.

Xandros teams with LinuxCertified to provide pre-installed Linux laptops with full-spectrum connectivity and universal file sharing. The LC2210 Mobile Laptop with 14" XGA TFT LCD and LC2410 Linux Laptop with a 15" XGA TFT LCD are both being offered at the introductory price of $1399 in North America.

"The 33-year-old creator of this 3-D effect, dubbed Looking Glass, is a programmer at Sun Microsystems in Santa Clara. He's part of a crew creating desktop software for the freely available Linux operating system. So far, many desktop versions of Linux emphasize how it can mimic the functions of Microsoft's Windows and Office software." Read the article about Sun's Project Looking Glass here. Looking Glass is a 3D Java application running atop X11, simulating a desktop environment with nice 3D effects, but it is not incorporated to Gnome or X11.

Sun may have been the last major server maker to embrace Linux, but Chief Executive Scott McNealy argues that the company will benefit more than its competitors from the open-source software. Update: A day after Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy said open-source software is his company's friend, a prominent advocate of the collaborative programming philosophy, Eric S. Raymond, has called upon the server maker to open the code of Java.

This review is targeted towards current Microsoft Windows users, Apple Macintosh users and novice/new Linux users alike. Its goal is to introduce you to the Xandros Desktop Operating System Version 2.0 Deluxe boxed. Read it at DesktopOS.com.

The intention of the Xandros team is to provide users a distribution that bridges the gap between Windows and Linux. Read the review at CahTech.

Sun Microsystems is experimenting (as we have reported in the past) with a three-dimensional desktop interface that could alter the way users see their screens--without the dorky glasses. First demonstrated at LinuxWorld in January, the "Project Looking Glass" initiative is a 3D Java-based, open source desktop that runs on Linux.

DesktopOS hosts a short review of Xandros 2.0 Standard. Expect ours on Wednesday.

In an open letter, Jonathan Schwartz offers IBM advice, that IBM should use Sun’s Java Desktop System in their move to Linux. The letter is rather no holds barred and cheeky advertising for Sun’s JDS and some snubs behind the back for IBM's Linux strategy, but it's an interesting read nonetheless.

Sun Microsystems Inc. plans to release midyear the second version of its Java Desktop System, featuring new tools for centralized management of client systems -- and a higher price tag. Sun released last year the debut version of the Java Desktop System (JDS), its attempt to win a share in the desktop operating system (OS) and applications market away from Microsoft Corp. The software is currently selling at a promotional price of $50 per user, per year, but the cost will rise to the product's planned selling price of $100 per user with JDS' second release, according to Peder Ulander, Sun's desktop products marketing director. MadPenguin posted a review with screenshots of JDS.

Desktop-Linux.net put up their own review of XandrOS Desktop 2.0 Deluxe Edition too.