Steven H. McCown wrote: > Linux users are mainly developers and tinkerers. For this group, computing > *is the experience*. This group likes to look at new technology, upgrade to > better versions, eliminate coding limitations, and solve world hunger via > better computing (e.g., MIT's $100 laptop), etc. Linux users, typically, > enjoy figuring out why the computer isn't working and then have fun fixing > it. That's why open source is more popular in the Linux world -- profits > are secondary to the 'real cool stuff', which is computing. > > In contrast, Windows users are typically people who use a computer to solve > a different type of problem. Windows is geared towards a group of people > who use computers simply as a means to and end. Windows users, typically, > want the letter written, the music downloaded, the database kept, to surf > the net, e-mail sent, etc. The average Windows user only wants to use a > computer for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, IM, web browsing, music, > and stuff like that. (With all it's Linux experience, Google's figured out > the real market.) For that group, the computer is the tool and *not* the > subject of interest.
You're trying to categorize people: Linux users=techies. While this categorization may fit your past observations, it is nonetheless incorrect. I might have agreed with you a few years ago, but today, the Linux landscape is changing rapidly. I've given four computers to family members in remote households, and on each of the computers I've installed Ubuntu Linux. They're quite happy with it, because they can write letters, download music, keep databases, surf the net, send emails, play games, and so on, without having to worry about viruses, spyware, and progressive instability. They like Linux because it's zero maintenance and most of the time it just works. They're not techies; they're artists, housewives, and students. They don't care how the computer works, because the computer is only a means to an end. About once a year they need tech support from me. Providing that support is nearly effortless, since with Linux it's generally easy to tell the difference between hardware and software failures. Most of the time I spend on tech support is resolving Windows problems for different family members. I realize this doesn't match your experience. I ask you to broaden your view. Developers have been working hard on making Linux accessible to all. Ordinary people are now seriously enjoying Linux without knowing much of anything about their computers. It no longer makes sense to put Linux users in one camp and Windows users in another. I think what you intended to say is that it's important to discover and address users' needs, including needs at install time. I agree with that. (BTW, comparing Linux with Windows on the basis of how easy Linux is to install is comparing apples and oranges. Windows comes preinstalled, so for a fair comparison, Linux should too. So I've been installing Linux before my family members see their computer.) Shane _______________________________________________ Ldsoss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ldsoss.org/mailman/listinfo/ldsoss
