On Fri, 22 Aug 2003 05:13, you wrote: > With all the talk about converting users from windows to linux I feel > that I should put in my $0.03 worth (more inflation). > My first installation attempts were fruitless due to defective discs > and then I had email connection problems caused by an unworkable network > chipset on my motherboard (amongst other things ). I now have it working OK > and am quite happy. Some things are better than windows - my printer works > better and now prints in my wifes� native alphabet and some are worse - > installing new programs. > > There are a couple of gripes that really frustrated me earlier and > still do. The fact that my scanner is not listed as compatible and I can�t > play games as I used to. I acknowledge that commercial secrecy is important > to the manufacturers and they want to keep them to themselves. I think that > I will just wait until Mandrake 9.2 comes out, wipe the bootleg XP pro and > install win98 to play games and use my scanner. Another irritation for me ( > being an ex-windows person ) as I said above is how difficult I find it is > to load new programs > As may have already been stated one of the most important things that > must be improved (?) with Linux is to make it attractive enough to �new > entrants� or �converts� so they don�t unthinkingly and automatically go to > MS. By that I mean that it must be really easy to use, must look nice and > maybe even give some of the programs sensible names - my sister was looking > over my mandrake recently and she commented about how many of them had > strange names - �why do so many of the names have K in front of them ?� > > I realise that what I am saying has already been said (maybe) but what > point is the list if people don�t use it. Rounding off the rough corners > and polishing the details is the main thing that the linux distros must do > to get more into the office and home PC. > > Rowan
Hi Rowan as a fairlyrecent convert to Linux (about 12 months+) I can certainly concur with most of your comments Don't get me wrong I really like Linux, so much so that I only reboot to the dreaded Windows98SE now when I really have too I have found that the more I use Linux the more I like it, however it is not for the faint hearted and for many new/inexperienced/infrequent computer users (like my dear old mum) it is probably not worth the effort. However Shanes comments are really valid (and informative) and I will follow them up to improve my installation and knowledge The bottom line is that like and old worn out jumper windows is familiar and comfortable to a great many people and likely to be for a long time to come. Given the amount of $$$ MS has had for marketing etc that is not surprising. Shane is dead right about the ability to upgrade etc. with Linux and as an example when I started using MDK 8.1 my modem/Mustek scanner etc. wasn't a happening thing, after I upgraded to MDK 9.1 it was fully supported. Conversely all I have ever had from MS is a few crappy "bug fixes/security updates" and a few virus attacks etc Currently i am having a few "issues" with printing with my new Cannon printer - one thing I have learnt since is check with the CLUG users before you buy any new hardware (ie. support the manufacturers that support open-source) Linux is the way to go for plenty of users including myself but currently it is not going to be the right choice for everyone, I'm sure that some users will disagree but thats my 2.5 cents worth cheers................dave Reply to: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" -------------------------------------------- KMail on Davesmachine Linux Mandrake release 9.1 (Bamboo) for i586 Kernel 2.4.21-0.13mdk i686 / tty4 --------------------------------------------
