On Wed, Aug 08, 2001 at 11:43:10AM -0400, Greg Kettmann wrote:
> This is not a shameless plug for visitors. I was asked what the LTC
> could do to help Linux, whether it be a port, like JFS, or flat out
> writing something.
For my money, Linux systems need four things above all else:
** 1. Free/open or not, QUALITY DVD-playing software. There are a
few things out there that are becoming usable depending on what
hardware you have and how willing you are to figure out what
software you have needs to be updated, but none are yet
professional quality.
2. A better Desktop interface. Gnome and KDE have pushed the
envelope, but they still have a ways to go. Gnome seems lately to
be content repeating the design mistakes of Windows, and also
seems to lack direction. KDE is IMNSHO just plain ugly. And they
refuse to make their Window manager tell you the geometry of
windows when you move/resize them. Personally, I use that feature
of my window manager(s) all the time. I've fussed and figited
with various Window managers and desktop environments for about 2
years now, and the one I like the best is FVWM. But it's not
compliant with either desktop environment, AFAIK. This is
unfortunate for me, and I think for the Linux community.
3. Drivers, drivers, drivers. If IBM really wants to make a
commitment to Linux, all of the hardware they manufacture and/or
sell (including components they use in systems) should be 100%
compatible with Linux. When that's done, it would be great (but I
won't hold my breath) if they'd write drivers for other devices
which need them.
4. Common applications. Regrettably, Linux needs good quality
replacements for things like Microsoft Office, etc. Things that
most people want to use computers for every day... And
unfortunately, because managers in this country seem to love to
lock themselves into proprietary solutions, they need to be 100%
compatible with Office (or the relevant replacement). We have
some mediocre replacements for these apps (and they're improving),
but nothing for managers and business people to really sink their
teeth into.
--
---------------------------------------------------
Derek Martin | Unix/Linux geek
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