A Chinese group has created an Ubuntu Linux clone that looks, um, just like Windows XP. Two big questions: First, do customers want a Linux release — called Ylmf OS — that looks like Windows? Second, is Microsoft willing to allow a group of Ubuntu renegades to mimic Windows XP’s look and feel? Hmmm…
The VAR Guy needs to tip his hat to Ars Technica for breaking this story and checking in with Microsoft. The media site asked the software giant if it planned to take legal action against Ylmf OS to protect Windows XP’s graphical user interface. Microsoft’s response to Ars Technica:
“While we can’t comment on the future, we have no current litigation efforts in place about this.”
Ubuntu: XP Edition?
Now, the next logical question: Do businesses and consumers want an Ubuntu Linux release that essentially looks and feels like Windows XP?
Hmmm… In The VAR Guy’s own home his kids already move seamlessly between Windows XP, Mac OS X and Canonical‘s more traditional Ubuntu user interface. The “myth” that desktop Linux has a difficult learning curve is just that… a myth.
And besides, it doesn’t sound like Ylmf OS is pushing beyond China anytime soon. Still… you never can tell how software will potentially go viral across the web.
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Why would anyone take the risk of using an XP-looking OS that was created by Chinese pirates when they can install real Ubuntu and then change Ubuntu’s theme to one that looks like XP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4StlvX-kOg
Al: When it comes to Ubuntu, there always seems to be someone smarter in the room than The VAR Guy. Thanks for that tip and YouTube link. The VAR Guy will check it out.
-TVG
OSX anyone?
http://creekcodes.blogspot.com/2009/07/want-free-mac-os.html
you mean like this?
http://f.imagehost.org/0237/CapturaEcra.jpg
the menu is GnoMenu
hukares@3 and whise@4: The VAR Guy appreciates the links. He’s checking them out.
-TVG
It may look like XP on the surface (top priority here in China), but it doesn’t work like Windows or run Windows software. That’s going to leave you dead in the water, especially here in China where Windows software drives everything from chat (QQ) to P2P software that lets users watch pirated movies on-line. No, these things won’t run on Wine, nor is it worth the extra hassle to try and get them working. This is a cute stunt, but that’s really all it is.
Is the XPGnome look standard on a live CD?
Ronl2k: The VAR Guy doesn’t have an answer for you but he’ll try to track one down.
-TVG