Tom Brinkman wrote:
> > > Until these
> > > inconsistencies are resolved, Linux will remain for hackers who
> > > time and knowledge to fix things so that they will run, and the
> > > common user will never get to reap the benefits os this otherwise
> > > wonderful operating system.
>
> On Monday 09 July 2001 10:02 am, M. Osten wrote:
> > Do you really want persons that can not edit a text file running
> > linux at all? I'm not prepared to try to support people that can
> > barely hold a mouse. The whole Linux replacing Windows on the
> > desktop is stupid...who cares. I use Linux because it works, I like
> > using it.
>
> Amen. (see below)
> >
> > On a entirely diffrent flame fest. If this is the Mandrake expert
> > mailing list, I hate to see what the newbie list is like.
>
> I recently re-subscribed after takin several months off. Nothin's
> changed, it's still dominated by those who want hand holding, obviously
> haven't made the slightest effort to research their problem, and many
> don't even think that learning to use Linux is, or even should be their
> responsibility. The majority also want to place blame and criticise the
> OS. They've never been willing to approach problems as user - hardware
> - and lastly the OS, any OS. A few are insistent and abusive also.
> Most have no idea of the difference between open and closed source
> soft/hardware, or want to be bothered. They blame Mandrake for their
> winmodem, aureal sound, or GeForce not being supported right out of the
> box. If I read "but it works great with Windows" one more time .........
>
> Guess I need another break from the newbie list ;)
>
I think I saw it explained most eloquently in a not to distant post. It was
either here or on the samba list. It addressed the dramatic increase in the
number and complexity (or lack thereof) in the variety of questions being
posted. Largely the same issues addressed above. The rationalization of the
dramatic increase was that:
"We are the victims of our own success...."
With the installed user base of Linux experiencing a dramatic increase, the
mailing lists become both the guiding light and the scapegoat for many users
wanting "in on the game." A large source of the frustration may stem from
users that want to have their cake and eat it too. Meaning, that a new user
may expect to have a rock solid Linux system install (which many do), and
then also want to immediately upgrade to all the latest buttons, bells,
whistles, kernels and the like at the same time without ever getting to know
the basic install. The cure:
"KNOW YOUR SYSTEM FIRST, then incrementally incorporate the latest
changes as required"
Linux is a very flexible and elegant OS and quite easy (although sometimes
painful) to learn. Don't try to swallow the penguin all at once!
The "cup is half-full" side to the "Lack of Standards" argument is the
"Rapid Progress" being made and "Healthy Competition Coupled with Enginuity"
within Linux development community. To call this a "Lack of Standards" is at
best a misunderstanding of the open source concept and a worst a calculated
"issue" spin doctored by our dear friends at M$.
Gotta Go, my 2 yr. old needs some daddy time...
--
David C. Rankin, J.D., P.E.
ASEL -- Instrument
Nacogdoches, Texas
N31 34.7 W094 42.6
355 MSL
