Some notes about the following:
(1) "more than 15 million users" has a quotable reference from
Infoworld. If anyone has a reference for "nearly 20 million users," let
me know.
(2) Denigrating any other software (including Microsoft's) is
inappropriate and unprofessional. I included the first Vinod (did
someone check the spelling of his name) comment, because it is
interesting, ironic, and doesn't necessarily say bad things about
Windows.
(3) Much more important than bringing down other software is touting
good "generalities" about Linux. I don't think we should distribute a
twenty page release with every possible good feature of Linux listed.
Rather, we should build on the reputation Linux already has: reliable,
stable, and mature.
(4) Don't make the reader sound stupid. I changed "Advanced technical
users" to "Many pioneering users" to remove the implication that the
reader is not an "advanced technical user."
(5) I tried to clear up the distinction between Linux and the
GNU software as much as possible. Personally, I refer to the entire
operating system as "Linux," not as "GNU/Linux," and I suspect about
99.9999% of Linux users do the same. Therefore, I say that "`Linux' is
the common name for a series of operating system distributions based
primarily on the Linux kernel and software from the Free Software
Foundation's GNU Project." This is factually correct, while at the same
time properly crediting the work of the Free Software Foundation.
(6) I have left open the "features" part of the actual release
statement; I don't really know what's significant enough to include
there, although it would be smart to include the new features that
businesses would find useful. "Y2K readiness" or some such crap should
be left out, IMO.
Feel free to send me comments of any variety. Please be aware that all
flames will be directed to /dev/null.
Kyle
-- Kyle R. Rose "They can try to bind our arms, Laboratory for Computer Science but they cannot chain our MIT NE43-309, 617-253-5883 minds or hearts..." http://web.mit.edu/krr/www/ Stratovarius krose@theory.lcs.mit.edu Forever Free**** DRAFT **** PRESS RELEASE - LINUX KERNEL 2.2.0 **** DRAFT **** **** FORK 1
Linux kernel version 2.2.0 released
Contact: Somebody Office: Somewhere Email: Something@Somedomain.SomeTopLevel
SANTA CLARA, C.A. -- The Linux kernel development team has officially announced the release of a new version of the Linux kernel. This update brings advanced scalability and broad support for newer hardware, while maintaining the stability and reliability that have been traditional hallmarks of the Linux kernel.
Among the new features of the 2.2.0 kernel are **BLAH** [Something needs to be added here that doesn't sound like Microsoft doublespeak.]
Many pioneering users have already installed this update, available from the Linux Kernel Archive (http://www.kernel.org/). Linux system vendors will begin shipping systems using the new kernel in March. Business users will be able to obtain the update from their Linux distribution vendor. As always, the Linux kernel is distributed as Free Software under the terms of the GNU General Public License, available for perusal at the web site of the Free Software Foundation (http://www.fsf.org/).
BACKGROUND -- "Linux" is the common name for a series of operating system distributions based primarily on the Linux kernel and software from the Free Software Foundation's GNU Project. Linux is available for most popular computer architectures, including but not limited to x86, Alpha, PowerPC, MIPS, and Sparc.
Since the Linux kernel was created in 1991 by then Finnish university student Linus Torvalds, Linux has grown to an installed base estimated at more than 15 million users worldwide. With its 212% growth rate in 1998, it is the fastest growing server operating system. Among its advantages attracting new users are:
* An open development model, which enables any user to modify the operating system components and submit patches to the official distribution. This both facilitates the development of new features and enables users to repair problems within hours after they have been located. [This is very awkward. It needs work in delineating the concept I have brought out here.]
* Usability. Linux has both advanced graphical user interfaces in GNOME and KDE and a flexible command line, enabling power users and novices alike to work in a comfortable environment. [I'm not quite sure this is what I'm trying to say.]
* Stability and reliability. Linux machines have been known to run for years without rebooting, and in most cases, only kernel replacements -- not application installations -- necessitate such action.
* Maturity. Linux is modelled after UNIX, an operating system with proven stability through nearly thirty years of research and development.
Microsoft engineers Josh Cohen and Vinod Valloppillil, in a competitive examination of Linux (Halloween Document, http://www.opensource.org/halloween.html), write that "Linux represents a best-of-breed UNIX, that is trusted on mission critical applications, and - due to its open source code - has a long term credibility which excedes many other competitive operating systems."
For additional information about Linux, the Free Software Foundation, the GNU Project, or related software, please refer to the URLs listed below.
[Trademark information goes here. I'm not sure what needs to be listed.]
[URLs can go here. Keep it brief.]
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