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On Wednesday 25 September 2002 07:54, you wrote:
> Perhaps they would become more computer savvy. I think the economy could
> improve because used computers would help them get the ball rolling on
> getting a few important things done until they have more money. Things
> like: writing that first batch of resumes, letters, and emails. It could
> give them an affordable means to surf the net for jobs.
exactly ... the old catch 22 of the underpriveleged: privelege is required to
achieve parity.
> The dramatic cost savings using Linux solves one major problem for
> anyone. Being computer savvy seems to be what is required though to
> keep on using it although I know that Linux has become more user
> friendly so that most newbies can intuitively learn.
i completely disagree, based on the experiences of a few very non-tech-savvy
people using Linux around the city... setting it up requires savvy, but once
set up Linux tends to just keep working and the modern UIs are quite usable.
even console applications such as pine or mutt for email are very learnable.
it's a combination of needing to get things set up in the first place and then
overcoming the fear associated with using a computer from that point forward
(e.g. if i push the wrong buttons, i'm going to break the software; thank
various closed source vendors and their crappy software for that common
feeling)
> Now if only the word could spread about Linux.
rest assured, it is...
> I think some of the problem has to do with how
> the status quo tends to perceive value in anything they spend more money
> on (which defeats the purpose of the cost savings... ironic.)
things like this will erode over time as the message of Free software is
consistently communicated in an accurate manner.
- --
Aaron J. Seigo
GPG Fingerprint: 8B8B 2209 0C6F 7C47 B1EA EE75 D6B7 2EB1 A7F1 DB43
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler"
- Albert Einstein
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