For over a decade, the growth of Linux has caught the attention of technology enthusiasts. And during this time, debates have raged regarding the importance of the operating system. The debates occur because of the divergent purposes of using Linux. In fact, the different camps approach Linux debates with different mindsets.
The oldest camp appreciates the freedom Linux brings to a computer; the enthusiast is able to get under the hood of the operating system and make adjustments. Many hosting companies fall into this camp because trained technicians are able to tweak the OS for performance as well as decrease the likelihood of a security flaw never being patched. A long this line, a second camp clings to the ideology of reinvigorating older hardware. These people usually discuss the power of Linux and the smaller footprint after installation. A third camp eagerly reminds people that Linux is the perfect anti-Microsoft operating sytem. Finally, there is the fourth camp. This camp embraces the fact Linux installs on many different types of hardware. During a discussion, these individuals point out the depth of hardware.
The last camp relies on interoperability as a key ingredient to installing Linux.
What happens, though, when hardware manufacturers move past Linux? Apple Matters suggested earlier today that Apple is killing Linux on the desktop. Probably not. Linux will thrive as a great server OS for hosting companies to offer webspace and Linux will expand onto more hardware.
The headline, though, is more than sensational. There is a major point to the story – the real story. The Apple iPhone is a product with major implications for webdesigners. The Apple iPhone continues to garner larger browser marketshare and webmasters should take note of this trend, too, because we are only seeing the beginning of the use of the iPhone as a browser. As more Apple iPhones are sold each day, more people will use the phone to surf the internet. The increase in sales prompts the question, at what point do webmasters include webdesigns for the iPhone as part of the plans? At what point will developing a site for the iPhone take priority over other types of browsers?
What do you think?