By Emmett Plant
Editor, Linux Today
I’m a really big fan of Indian food and culture, and now, with
India embracing Linux, even more so. While India’s COMDEX (taking
place this week) is nowhere as large as the one in Las Vegas last
month, there are still sessions devoted to Linux.
Here’s a sample of the Linux offerings from the COMDEX-India
schedule:
- Fundamentals of Linux – This is an introductory session on
Linux that covers: what it is; how it is developed, distributed and
supported; how its features compare to other OSs; and when you
should consider adopting it. We will also discuss requirements for
installing Linux – hardware, device driver availability and boot
options – as well as some Linux GUIs – X-Windows and Gnome. - Linux in Your Enterprise – Bringing Linux into your enterprise
requires decisions based on technology, architecture and usage. To
do this, you need to understand the architecture, tradeoffs, and
the application development strategies. We will discuss server
Linux, desktop Linux, and the applications and application
development tools available. This session focuses on what works and
what doesn’t. - Linux Cross Platform Integration – Most companies are
installing Linux in a mixed operating environment, so this session
deals with the issues and techniques needed to make it a
well-behaved participant. This session will discuss: its role;
networking with TCP/IP: Linux as a web server; NFS and NIS support;
PPP on Linux; Samba for NT environments; automating Linux using
Perl; and scaling Linux in a clustering environment.
This all sounds great, but better yet, Jon ‘maddog’ Hall, will
be a guest speaker.
Maddog’s a very big fan of Linux integration worldwide, and if
his recent travels are any indication, the man just loves Asia. His
keynote is titled ‘Take No Prisoners.’ While SCO and Microsoft will
also be represented at COMDEX-India, I’m willing to bet that maddog
will be the star of the show.
One odd point, however, deserves to be brought up. On
COMDEX-India’s printed schedules, it
lists a panel discussion called ‘Why You Should Not Use Linux,’
hosted by Vijay Mukhi, President of VMCI, Mumbai. But if you check
the updated online schedule, this session has disappeared into the
ether. I can’t even find good Mr. Mukhi’s name mentioned anywhere
on the COMDEX site. Curious? I am, too. Was the panel pulled? Could
it be… lack of interest? I’m merely postulating, of course, but
this is COMDEX, and I can’t imagine panels get cancelled
willy-nilly.
So, if you’re a Linux enthusiast, and you live anywhere near New
Delhi, get to COMDEX and help get the word out about Linux. If
current momentum continues, they may have a Linux Business Expo at
every COMDEX worldwide!