Dell has begun selling three models shipping with Ubuntu Linux 7.04. It's really exciting seeing this, and I hope it means we'll see more vendors get in on the Linux action.
BlogSecurity is reporting that a recent test showed 98% of Wordpress blogs are running on a version of the software with known vulnerabilities. While the ones here on wordpress.com are certainly kept up to date, how about the thousands running on private servers?
Kernel Developer Greg Kroah-Hartman's offer to develop drivers for hardware vendors just from specifications is beginning to pay off. The offer, first touted as mere marketing hype, has already added a driver to the kernel and has at least five more in progress. For details: http://www.linuxworld.com.au/index.php/id;58590129;fp;16;fpid;0
I missed this the other day, but Jeremy over at LinuxQuestions has details on the Dell Linux rollout. Nothing too surprising, fairly basic machines with well supported hardware. No proprietary media formats, so it seems like a fairly stock Ubuntu install. No Linux prices yet.
The top-end machine that will be in the initial offering is the XPS 410, which is $899+ with Windows on it. On the value end is the E520, starting at $369 (Windows price). It looks like the E1505 Notebook will also be offered, which is a fairly basic laptop at $699 (Windows price again).
Mark Shuttleworth (Ubuntu Founder, Software Visionary, etc.) has posted an interesting piece on why Microsoft is not a threat to Linux. He argues that the big threat to Linux (and Microsoft) are the IP holding firms, who essentially exploit the weak IP/patent system we have here in the US. He makes a clear case why Intellectual Property and Patent Law reforms are necessary to the continued development of software and technology.