The Linux desktop could learn a thing or two from RISC OS, an opinion piece in the super-soar-away INQ argued this week. The current desktop offerings for GNU/Linux users are too similar to Microsoft's little known Windows operating system, believes freelance IT hack Liam Proven - and penguinistas should take a leaf from the book of RISC OS to get some fresh ideas, he adds.In an article published on Sunday, Liam wrote: "Microsoft is complaining that 'the Linux desktop including OpenOffice' infringes some 235 Microsoft patents. An objective comparison between the whole Linux desktop and Microsoft's Windows desktop shows that it has a good point; there are many resemblances, from trivial to profound.
"However, there are plentiful other non-Windows-like models of desktop to follow instead."
The learned tech scribe goes on to describe the RISC OS Filer, drag'n'drop, its iconbar, Acorn's three-button mouse, and contextual menus. Apple's Mac OS, the long-buried BeOS, AmigaOS, and Nextstep all get a look in too. Liam rounds off his piece by suggesting Linux desktop designers try out Mac OS X, GNUstep and ROX to see how "a general-purpose PC desktop doesn't need to look or work like Windows to be attractive, easy and fun to use." Hit the link below for the full essay.
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Linux desktop lacks innovation from INQ