On Sat, Feb 16, 2002 at 04:43:49PM -0600, The Fool wrote: > Linux is to difficult for the average person to work with. Only Us > geeks can get a handle on it.
I disagree with this statement as written. It strikes me as rather elitist. The implication is that some people have an ability (that most people lack) that allows them to better comprehend and operate computers. I think that usually a person can start to get something done in Windows by reading less (or no) documentation than is necessary for getting a similar thing done in Linux. But after reading sufficient documentation to learn how to do something in Linux, the Linux user will usually accomplish the same tasks faster in Linux than in Windows, will have fewer inexplicable problems with Linux, and has the option of continuing to learn more about the system and have more control over the system without hitting the "hard ceiling" that happens with Windows after a certain level is reached. Naturally, people are different. Some people aren't interested in learning about computers or advancing their mastery over their computers. These people will certainly prefer Windows. But anyone who is willing to read and learn a few things can start working with Linux and obtain the benefits I mentioned above. > It will never displace microsoft on the home PC. Never is a long time. It is certainly possible to clothe *NIX in something that makes it similar to Windows (look at Mac OS X). This could, and I predict will, happen to Linux eventually. That would be a good thing. It would allow people to use a free OS in a way similar to Windows if they wished, while it would allow the curious and ambitious to learn about and obtain mastery over their computer by going deeper into the way things work. In other words, people would have a choice. > In Essence linux is not going to be taking over anytime in the near > future. I'll agree with that. Microsoft has a strange-hold on the market. -- "Erik Reuter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.erikreuter.com/
