The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

re: The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:34:39 GMT

Desktop will never be dead (never = very long time), just because the Internet is far from being everywhere with a suitable passband, so any computer will always need to be able to run softwares on its own with no outside help from the cloud.

For example, in France, if the official definition of "fast Internet" will be changed from 512 Kb to 2Mo, 60% of the country will have to be said uncovered by high speed Internet... And 2 Mo is a very low speed for an application dealing with videos, sounds or any big files. So, desktop will perhaps be dead one day, but I thing we will all here be dead before...

re: The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

mrdecav — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:49:50 GMT

@cartman

True, but there is a trend towards smaller computing devices, a new and streamlined distribution model, and away from the "I must have Windows because thats where my programs run" mentality. That last one is big, because it has the potential to shift the balance of power in the technology industry from Microsoft to people like Nokia, Google, Apple, etc.

To us it may be the same, but to the consumer, we're offering a new product.

re: The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

Anonymous — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:05:31 GMT

Code can run locally or remotely, data can be stored locally or remotely. We've been doing this for years.

The "desktop" computer is just a larger computing device, nothing more.

The future you describe is just the past wrapped up in some new words.

re: The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

mrdecav — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:50:38 GMT

@cartman

There is certainly a cloudy definition (no pun intended)... I think a desktop OS is mostly defined as an OS which is very feature rich and is designed to hold applications, state and processing locally.

This would differ from a cloud computing device because cloud computing is meant to only cache data locally, and while we've seen a movement towards native apps (App Store), they usually offload heavy processing and data to servers.

The last big thing cloud machines have going for them is a decent level of sandboxing of apps and the ability to easily "start over" if the machine gets busted without the pain of a backup/reinstall/restore.

re: The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:24:30 GMT

How do you define a desktop?

a)Is it the visual metaphor?

b)A computing device with installed applications?

c)Something that sits on your desk?

re: The desktop is dead (really, for real this time)

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:48:19 GMT

This summary of variable connected computing was already written by Turning, von Neunnman or Babbadge I'm sure. This "cloud computing" label is insulting to early generation computer scientist. Even the antiquated X-Windows system could of implemented this "business" idea. Please write about quantum computing or annealing or something somewhat original and innovating and not "catch phrase" driven...

A PARC Place Alumni.