Description: Fixed-function users are a user who typically uses a single designated application to perform the functions for which they rely on their computers. This application is typically a line-of-business application, such as that of a cash register. In many cases, the users will not know what operating system is being used on the device.

Example: An example of a fixed-function worker is a checker at a grocery store or a traveler using a check-in kiosk at an airport.

Description: Transactional users require business applications plus a basic office suite, e-mail, calendaring and Internet access. Most of a transactional user's time is spent in a single line-of-business application-often browser-based. These users do not need to be able to set preferences in the underlying operating system.

Example: An example of a transactional worker is a travel agent who uses a ticketing application but also needs access to e-mail, the Web and a basic word processor.

Description: Compute-intensive technical workers use industry-specialized applications such as CAD/CAM running on high-performance hardware (often referred to as engineering workstations). Many of these users may have used UNIX workstations in the past.

Example: An example of a compute-intensive worker is a mechanical engineer who designs commercial aircraft.

Description: Knowledge users make extensive use of their desktop applications and therefore require tight integration between component applications that make up their office suites and the other specialized productivity applications and collaboration environments they use. It is very common for these users to use laptops and to expect have a transparent experience whether tethered or mobile. Knowledge users typically customize their desktop environments and will often attempt to remedy problems they run into before calling the helpdesk.

Note: Novell has identified a broad spectrum of use cases required to meet the needs of these types of users and is one of largest contributors to this segment. While Novell is not currently focusing its go-to-market efforts on general purpose users, many users are finding Novell's desktop Linux product offerings to be an excellent fit.

Example: An example of a knowledge worker is a marketing professional who is a power-user of his or her office suite, uses a flow-chart design application, and an image editing suite as well as a complete collaboration environment and uses the Web heavily.

Description: General-purpose users require the most flexibility because the category comprises literally thousands of use cases and is a catch-all of individually managed systems. General purpose users require support for a seemingly endless array of system peripherals and diverse applications including high-end games, tools for multimedia, basic office automation, home accounting and tax preparation, Web, instant messaging, photo management and editing and many other use cases. General purpose users also expect to be able to easily connect and use printers, scanners, business card readers, external hard drives, digital cameras, portable digital music players, Web cams and various other serial and USB-based devices-all simultaneously from one machine. Increasingly general purpose users are adding second and third computers and expect to be able to easily and securely share files while connecting over wireless and wired networks.

Note: Novell has identified a broad spectrum of use cases required to meet the needs of these types of users and is one of largest contributors to this segment. While Novell is not currently focusing its go-to-market efforts on general purpose users, many users are finding Novell's desktop Linux product offerings to be an excellent fit.

Example: An example of a general purpose user is a stay-at-home who runs a small eBay business out of her home. She uses an accounting package to manage the family budget and her business finances. Her son also uses the same computer to do homework, download MP3s and play games.