John Dvorak, the legendary compu-journalist notorious for acerbic views and wry wit, has found a soft spot in his heart for Tux. The veteran essayist and cable TV star says he will "install [Ubuntu 8.10] permanently on my latest machines."Dvorak says that he previously shied away from Linux due to problems using it with the "overloaded" hardware that computer journalists of his stature are apparently awash in. Now, though, the "live CD" feature ubiquitous in Linux installers lets him verify hardware support prior to installation. To his surprise, Dvorak notes, "Almost all the newest hardware coming out has Linux support."
Dvorak adds, "The critical mass has been reached, and it's time everyone tried Ubuntu."
Dvorak would not be Dvorak, though, without a healthy dose of spleen. And indeed, his attraction to Linux apparently stems as much from his frustration with Windows as anything else. He writes, "I'm tired of dealing with Windows malware, patch Tuesday, and the never-ending deterioration of the OS as it clogs up like a drain in a greasy-spoon restaurant. I can't take it anymore."
Dvorak finds that even when run from an optical drive, Ubuntu is "at least as snappy as Windows." He reckons that Windows 2000 was the height of Microsoft OS achievement, but even this backhanded praise is quickly tempered by the observation that no Microsoft patch has ever increased performance. "Ever," he emphasizes.
Linux mavens may wish to soak up Dvorak's good graces while they can. If Dvorak starts using Linux regularly, it likely won't be long before the opinionated, thick-skinned writer starts cranking out amusing and (probably) deadly accurate criticism holding Linux to a higher standard.
Meanwhile, Dvorak's "come-to-Linux" essay can be found here.
-- Henry Kingman
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