9 out 10 super computers in the world run on Linux
It is increasingly obvious that with the size, cost, and complexity of IT increasing seemingly exponentially, ultimately something has to give and professional pride should not get in the way of quality in the computer systems that we support for our children.
- Linux powers the international space station
- Linux powers the technology in new cars like Tesla and Cadillac
- Linux powers air traffic control systems
- Google, Facebook, Twitter, all use Linux
- 9 out of 10 super computers in the world run on Linux
Exploration at a very early age is what a child is all about. That exploration can be best enhanced in an environment that encourages learning. Linux offers variety and autonomy like toys and clothes for kids. The Linux community has developed specific operating systems that can offer them a fun learning environment. I believe that to boost curiosity in kids, it is important to create a set up that gives them a feeling of wonder. But that wonder must not be masked behind a barrage of confusing technical jargon. From the outset, that is what I wanted Peach OSI to focus upon. Peach OSI "The Works" our flagship OS, began as a meager little OS as I explained in the "About" sections of this website and is slowly eking out a place in the vast community of Linux users. In a highly competitive environment where form over function seems to be the norm, Peach OSI, I believe, is one of the few that favor the reverse, functionality over form. Indeed the purpose of the much larger known popular OS's seem to favor their "genericness" (which I know really isn't a word) over creating something for more "purpose" minded individuals. That is where we at Peach OSI are striving to be different. We already have "The Works", as previously mentioned, "Barebones", and "Netbook". Our next project is Peach OSI "Dolphin" which is a highly specialized OS just for kids up to about age 9.
Peach OSI "Dolphin" has been in the works for several months now and I can honestly say that more time, effort and thought has gone into this version than all 3 of our other versions combined. The motivation was initially both philosophical and physiological, in that, even for an outstanding child, funds are always going to be limited (politicians don't seem to get the saying: 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance'). The cost of using Windows® is high but not always obvious, Windows carries a lot of baggage that bumps the cost up considerably over a Linux environment. The philosophical angle is probably the philosophy of pragmatism. I want to offer the best system possible with the resources that "we" have available and if you have children I am including "you" in that "we". With that goal in mind, money spent on promoting Microsoft Windows® and Microsoft Office® to students can be better spent on old-fashioned things like teachers and actual education. That philosophy of promoting something commercially being sold to your children has an impact on your life as well as your budget. It makes you feel like that if your child is to have a quality education then you are required to furnish the tools that mirror what your child is learning in school. If I might show my age a bit, that is pure hogwash.
Once you actually take a step back from the misconception that computers = Windows® and actually seriously think about it, the pros of using a Linux system clearly outweigh the cons and not only due to cost. The world is changing very quickly. There is a survey that reports that in the year 2000, 97% of all computing devices had Windows® installed on it. Now with tablets and smart phones, etc., Windows® is only on 20% of computing devices. In the world of big business, Linux reigns supreme. Linux specializes in science and engineering and if we want our children to go on to do great things like start the next Google or find out the workings of the universe at CERN, in those environments, they will certainly need to know Linux. So pray that we here at Peach OSI or that all those others creating Linux systems for our children, continue to do so and last but not least, always remember that donations to each and every one of these projects is important. Speaking for myself, it isn't all about the dollars, it's more about what is right. Peach OSI "Dolphin" is behind schedule and over budget but that is OK. We will get there. It will be free for everyone to use. But that does not mean that it was free to create. Be patient with us please. "Dolphin" will be worth the wait. I promise.
Administrator: Jim Carpenter