Hi, http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/media/2005/050101.html
435 killed on New Zealand roads in 2004 not 600 - not even approximately 600. move it back on topic. This is the picture we need to have in our minds when considering linux and the desktop::: I buy an appliance (eg microwave, tv, video recorder, washing machine) and take it home. with a cursory glance at the manual, I have it operational in minutes. When I download software from the web, or install an OS, I want the same timescales and ease of use. I do not want to join an email list etc. My personal view is that when linux is as easily used as the above usage example, then it will make inroads. If you want verification of the above, look around at the people you know who are not computer experts. Look at your parents. Look carefully, and do not consider people who are exceptions to the norm. Yes, I know computers are complex things - but that does not mean they have to always export that complexity to the UI. The complexity can be optionally made available. Derek. ================================================================== On Tue, 1 Feb 2005, Christopher Sawtell wrote: > On Tue, 01 Feb 2005 09:04, Brad Beveridge wrote: > > The general public can drive, and if people can be trusted to > > drive a car effectively I think they can drive a computer. > The NZ-GP may be able to make a car move forwards and occasionally backwards > at various speeds, but safely and properly? Absolutely no way. > > The road rules and designs all appear to have been concocted by a committee > of > panel-beaters, insurance agents, orthopedic surgeons, and undertakers chaired > by the Grim Reaper himself all acting in supreme self-interest. The level of > education and skill needed to pass the NZ driving test is so absolutely > minimal that it is meaningless. ( Note here that holding a NZ Driving licence > qualifies one for a 3 times insurance levy when driving in the UK, and that > at ~600 deaths / 4 million population per year NZ has a worse death-on-the > roads rate than any other country in the 'civilized world', only parts of > southern Portugal are worse ) > > With all due respect, to suggest that the general public can drive properly > and safely, if that's what you mean by 'effectively' is pure self-delusion. > > The NZ General Public can't drive cars. Neither can they drive a computer, > because if they could the NZQA would not condone the allocation of 5 NZCEA > credits for the ability to use GUI e-mail and ftp user agents. ( imho easier > that tying boot-laces ) > > -- Derek Smithies Ph.D. This PC runs pine on linux for email IndraNet Technologies Ltd. If you find a virus apparently from me, it has Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] forged the e-mail headers on someone else's machine ph +64 3 365 6485 Please do not notify me when (apparently) receiving a Web: http://www.indranet-technologies.com/ windows virus from me......
