New Linux-Based Laptop For Computer Newbies 198
Smivs writes "The BBC is carrying a report on how people confused and frustrated by computers can now turn to a laptop called Alex built just for them. Based on Linux, the laptop comes with simplified e-mail, web browsing, image editing and office software. Those who sign up for Alex pay £39.95 a month for telephone support, software updates and broadband access. The Newcastle-Based Broadband Computer Company who developed Alex has been working on this project for three years, and didn't immediately adopt a Linux solution — in fact, the first big trial was based on Windows. The company's Chief Technology Officer Barney Morrison-Lyons says that was never going to be the right route:
'The biggest problem with Microsoft is badly-written software — the operating system allows you to write software badly unlike Mac or Linux.'
Mr. Hudson, one of the company's founders, said the company also intends to launch an application store for Alex for customers who want to add more features and functions to their computer. 'People who love Linux will be keen to develop for this,' he said."
Linux Alex (Score:4, Funny)
Finally, a FOSS response to Microsoft Bob!
It's probably just a Beta unit (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Can't be serious (Score:2, Funny)
I can't say have - all my software is perfectly written. If only there weren't such a disconcerting amount of bad users out there!
Re:unlike Mac or Linux (Score:4, Funny)
Software can be badly written on any platform, and in any language.
You are quite wrong. On several occasions Linux has intercepted my code typos, SQL injunctions and XSS vilneravilities.
Once it even prevented me from accidentally biting into a Marmite sandwich.
Linux Clippy (Score:3, Funny)
It looks like you are trying to write some bad code for Linux.
Would like to me to obfuscate that?
Re:£39.95 a month? (Score:3, Funny)