Oompa Loompa Doompadee Doo...

[Khephren]

Like a lot of brands, computer OS's use made up names so they can copyright them.

[runequester]

Ubuntu (which is a distribution of linux) as mentioned above is called that, because of what linux symbolizes: Software that is free to own, free to modify, free to share and free to create with.


On a more general note, a fairly unique name creates brand awareness and makes it easier to trademark.

[gertsy]

None of them have green hair and orange faces but all of 'em are short.... of the mark.
Most Linux is fast on old hardware until you try to do something like browser video then your old laptop is just that, again.
I have an old HP Laptop with Ubuntu.  Apart from randomly powering off on startup several times (with no syslog message or error) it can't play DVDs a good as the original Windows 98 and free DVD player that came with it.  It's a fun OS for tinkering and the looks (skins) you can achieve are great.  
But where is Google OS ?

[Haranguer]

Here's an OS based on Java: http://www4.informatik.uni-erlangen.de/Projects/JX/

[Haranguer]

And I've always thought that Symbian sounds like an OS for sex toys lol

[jorkany]

Apart from Tones answer, it still doesn't answer the question about why folk give these OS's such silly names. At least WorkBench, MorphOS and (dare I say it) Windows actually means something and make a bit of sense, I just can't figure out why whomever decides then names think that they must come up with some totally absurd titles

(and googling for it doesn't help either, hmmm... google now there's another stupid name...

Could you make up a few OS names so we can get a better idea of what is not silly?

Perhaps something that would run on a CUSA Amiga.

Did I go there or did I just think it?

[tone007]

FrankOS: operating system or breakfast cereal? You decide!

[Tenacious]

Could you make up a few OS names so we can get a better idea of what is not silly?

Perhaps something that would run on a CUSA Amiga.

Did I go there or did I just think it?

There needs to be a way to denote a marketing paradigm shift that annoys the pyss out of everyone.  How about:

iAmiga
iUbuntu
iKnoppix
iPalm
iFrankOS
iPancakes
ibrakeliner
iHateSeeingIonTheFrontOfEveryDamnedThing..

[minator]

(Hmmm... just a thought... the silly names folk give themselves on forums... )

minator = MAd INvenTOR  (but move the A to after the IN)

:biglaugh:

[TheBilgeRat]

I'd rather have a funny name than herpes.

[gertsy]

"FrankOS" I like that.  We've got an insurance co over here called Frank.
And wasn't he the guy that did Kermit the frogs voice...(o:
It works on so many levels..