Interview with Jon Danzig, President of Libranet
noeld@rootprompt.org
Who are you and what is your background?
Jon Danzig. President
I have been involved in the UNIX world since 1984. With
SCO Unix, HP/UX and Solaris and of course, Linux.
The primary activity has been installing, building applications, and
supporting Unix multi-user systems.
Who and what is Libranet?
Libranet is a small group of people who enjoy being involved in the
world of Linux.
What does Libranet mean and why did you choose it?
Libra Computer Systems is the name of the company. libra.com was taken,
so we added net to libra to fit our vision of a worldwide 'network' of
Libranet systems.
What are Libranet's goals?
We believe that we can produce a first class Linux desktop system that
almost anyone can install and use enjoyably. We expect to be the
distribution of choice for a large segment of the Linux community and a
good choice for those arriving to Linux.
Why did you choose Debian to base your distribution on?
Debian is our choice for a number of reasons. I like the fact that it
is a non commercial distribution. The enthusiasm and dedication of it's
developers makes Debian a pleasant place to be. The sheer size of the
distribution gives us a large choice when assembling our desktop. I also like the openness of discussion among the developers and also among the users.
What makes Libranet different than Debian?
I think it is more accurate to say that Libranet is a Debian system. It
is the assembly of a desktop using mostly Debian components. We have
customized the install to be almost automatic and made a step by step
install guide simple enough for new users. We have left out none of the
complexities of the system. We just handle it for the user without
hiding or preventing advanced users from being able to reach the
innards.
Has Libranet made any contributions to Linux, Debian or open source in general?
Not yet, although our distribution is in itself a contribution to the
Linux effort.
In a sense we are creating a user involved distribution. We ask for and
listen to users' comments and suggestions and have already incorporated
some of their ideas.
If our Linux drivers petition is successful in helping to bring manufacturers to work with open source developers, this is a good contribution.
How successful has the Linux Drivers Petition?
We are hoping to get 200,000 signatures, so far we have 67,000. The
impact it is having is to add to the awareness of manufacturers that
there is a large demand for Linux drivers.
What are your future plans for Libranet and Linux by Libranet?
Quite simply we intend to bring out improved versions of Libranet
continually. When we become firmly established as a desktop system we
expect to expand into the commercial arena.
Where do you think Linux is going from here?
I think Linux will have ups and downs for quite a while. Until PC
manufacturers get involved in providing specs for their boards etc., it
will continue to be difficult to keep up with new products.
What is the difference between Linux by Libranet and Stormix or Corel who are
creating Debian based distributions?
We think we have done a great job of providing a simple to install,
application packed, well integrated Linux system. Well ... that's up to
the users to decide.
| 