350,000 Linux (Virtual) Desktops Land In Brazil 109
xufem writes "Millions of Brazilian schoolchildren will soon be 'brought up right' running Linux on over 350,000 seats each using PC sharing hardware and software from Userful and KDE. This is world's largest virtual desktop deployment and probably also the world's largest Linux deployment, and seems to have been selected over OLPC by Brazil. Definitely a moment to celebrate — and just in time for Brazilian Carnival which starts tomorrow!"
Re:Tell me when it's done (Score:3, Interesting)
It doesn't matter. We have the technology to completely switch to ethanol (where cars are concerned, anyways) if we need to.
I agree the politic on ethanol pricing is less than ideal (and sometimes downright stupid), but I think the important point is that we managed to develop a viable fuel alternative -ok, we might have been lucky for already having an established sugar cane production, and having the area to do so but nonetheless we made it. Most other countries would love to be in that position. Biodiesel still haven't got volume simply because it isn't economically viable at the moment, but we could easily increase production in a few years if needed.
Re:Hmm... (Score:5, Interesting)
Not how I remember it (Score:5, Interesting)
The schools I attended from the late 80s through mid 90s had 5 to 10 Macs for every PC. In spite of this, there was usually a wait for Macs but never for PCs.
After we graduated, we found that the business world was 99% PCs, as it had been from day one, never having given Apple any serious consideration at all.
Most then went on to get the same kind of computer at home that they used at work because, as much of a pain as it is to use Windows, it's more of a pain to have to use both.
Then school boards started making noises, with some merit, that kids should learn in school what they'll be using in the real world. This caused many schools to switch to PCs.
This has nothing to do with technical merit and everything to do with first-mover advantage in the right market (personal computers for business).
Also, running virtual desktops over the network is not necessarily slow and clunky. Have you tried it? I've been doing it for years.
Re:So... (Score:2, Interesting)
But, but, but all the Brazilian students will be encouraged to download Linux live CD's and see what it's really like on their more powerful home PC's.
I think you're right on. We could pray they might teach some interesting computer science classes with these environments that really shows off open software, but for the majority of students it will just be a locked down, strange platform running educational software. Yay.
Re:Tell me when it's done (Score:5, Interesting)
Well, an anecdote does not make a pattern. Ethanol is cheaper than gasoline on almost the entire brazilian territory. Except for, it seems, where it snows (You realize we are talking about some 2% of the territory here, and some very unusual 2%, don't you?). Now, did you take into account that gasoline also lacks quality control, and is some times mixed with kinds of solvents that, differently from water, damage your motor?
Re:Tell me when it's done (Score:2, Interesting)
I live in santa catarina, (that's a brazilian state) and we all use ethanol. In Parana, rio grande do sul, rio de janeiro and minas gerais, the ethanol is the better choice. And by the way, all fuel in brazil is tampered, not only ethanol.
Oh, and Sao Paulo (my home state) responds for half the cars in brazil, so... there you go. Ethanol is the way to go, at least for now. Ford tought of cars running on electricity a hundred years ago, but we are so cheap.
diesel is forbidden because of the subsidies. the governament, back in the 50', chose trucks over rails. But to make the logistic costs at a reasonable mark, they had to subside everything; well, not for the personal auto industry, since that would make one hell of a bill in the end of a tax year.
since you are a brazilian like me, I would advise you: a não ser que mores no nordeste ou no norte, provavelmente alcool vale mais a pena pra voce. Fora que é melhor alcool com agua do que gasolina com solvente e alcool ;)
Re:Wonderfully understated (Score:1, Interesting)
I am not sure if Health care sucks.
Compared to England it is much better.
I have to travel at least once a year to Brazil, to get a *better* treatment from the "cursed" SUS (you speak of).. because here in the UK - well things are pretty slow.
It took 2 years in the queue, for me to be tested here in England for some neurological stuff.
Whereas in Brazil, just under 3 months.
And then there is America. If you are poor and living in the US - you are pretty much stuffed. You can't even get proper free treatment over there.