----- Original Message ----- From: "Erik Reuter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Brin-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2002 5:32 PM Subject: Re: Win 98 Registry (Long)
> 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. Most people cant be bothered to to rework a carburator on the kitchen table either. Fill 'er up and drive! > > 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. Again, that doesnt apply to the majority. > > 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. Sure, but they could do it with MacOs, or BeOs, ect.... > > > 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. I doubt that. Soon someone with a lot of cash is going to port Unix to Intel with Solitaire, Freecell, a browser (likely a port of Explorer), and an email/usenet client resulting ineveryone else getting their butts kicked. Open source will likely always remain niched, because it has no sense of direction. > > > 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. > Because the vast majority of consumers love it passionately! :) xponent Rub Two Sticks Together Maru rob
