Talking Ubuntu Linux: Q&A with System76 President Carl Richell

System76, one of the best-known providers of Ubuntu systems, recently introduced new servers certified to run the operating system. All About Ubuntu caught up with System76 President Carl Richell to discuss his views on the Ubuntu server market. The following interview — more of a quick chat — occurred over email:

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Here Come Ubuntu Servers

I believe we’re about to see Ubuntu reach another tipping point, this time on the server. While thousands — perhaps, millions? — of users discover Ubuntu desktops, the Linux operating system is beginning to gain traction on servers as well.

The latest example: System76 Inc., a small but well-respected Ubuntu PC supplier, has announced a line of  systems certified for Ubuntu 7.10 Server Edition. You can find more info about the rack-mount servers at http://system76.com/servers.

This isn’t an isolated event. It’s safe to expect some big name companies to evangelize Ubuntu servers sometime this year — especially as Ubuntu 8.04 (code named Hardy Heron) approaches its April 2008 release.

How I Shopped for An Ubuntu Laptop

So, I’ve been shopping for a new laptop for a few months. I’ve got an old Thinkpad T23 that is showing it’s age — both in terms of performance and functionality. It has developed a number of minor quirks over the years, as most well-loved laptops do. Numlock is flaky, the PCMCIA port is flaky, everything is just broken enough to be annoying — but not broken enough to fix.

Well, that changed recently when the optical drive failed. It was time to go shopping for an Ubuntu laptop. Here’s a recap of my decision process.

Wall Street Journal’s Mossberg Gives Ubuntu a Look

Yes, The Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg is an influential guy. He can make-or-break products with his columns and product reviews. And he has taken a look at Ubuntu. Before you slam Walt for pointing out Ubuntu’s potential weak points, I think the Ubuntu community has to take a deep breath and admit the Walt has some valid points.

50 Things You Need to Know About Ubuntu (10-1)

Sorry for this belated post. Here is the final part of TechIQ’s five-part countdown, highlighting 50 trends and takeaways from the Ubuntu Live conference in Portland, Oregon. Some of the items are closely related to earlier portions of the list. Here we go…

Who Preloads Ubuntu on PCs?

Much of the Linux community is waiting to for Dell to introduce PCs with Ubuntu pre-loaded in North America. But if you can’t wait for Dell to deliver the goods, there are alternatives.

Check out PricePC.com, System76.com and ZAreason.com for a look at small PC suppliers that are loyal to the open source community. In some ways, these companies remind me of the mom-and-pop hardware stores that ultimately wind up competing with The Home Depots of the world (in this case, Dell).