Linux vs Windows - Conquering a Windows Based World

The three way hacking challenge at the CanSecWest conference, pitted the MacBook Air, a Fujitsu Laptop running Vista, and Ubuntu Linux on a Sony Vaio against each other. In the end only the Ubuntu Linux was left standing.

“Under contest rules, qualifying exploits on day one had to target default installations of the operating system itself and winners were allowed to walk away with the hacked box and a $20,000 bounty. Contest organizers gradually expanded the eligible attack surface on days two and three by allowing an vulnerabilities in an increasing number of third party applications. The bounty dropped to $10,000 on day 2 and $5,000 on day three. No one bothered competing on day one.”

Dell has  announced plans to expand its linux offerings to small business and will also offer the systems internationally.  Covered at a dell company blog by Lionel Menchaca

“Dell does have plans to offer Linux to more consumers in additional locations outside the United States. More details to come later this summer. We will also offer Ubuntu to small business customers in the future. As soon as we have more details to share, I’ll blog about both topics here. “

Straight from the Dell Forum.

“Dell is going to offer Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn as part of an overall effort to update our Linux program. Today we are announcing a partnership with Canonical to offer Ubuntu on select consumer desktop and notebook products.”

After hearing about Michael Dell using Ubuntu on his laptop, this should come as no surprise.

“While unable to confirm this through official Dell channels, we have heard the same story now from several internal Dell sources. They tell us that the Austin, Texas, computer giant will be preinstalling the newly released Ubuntu 7.04. These systems will be released in late May 2007.”