On Tue, 01 Feb 2005 08:29:02 +1300, Brad Beveridge wrote: > > >Bah. Linux is not ready for the desktop because the general purpose > >computer is not ready for the desktop. The only device ready for the > >desktop is the set top box (which may or may not be based on embedded > >linux). > > > >Perhaps I should say: The general purpose computer is not ready for > >the unassisted novice. > >This applies to Windows, Linux and to some extent, even the Mac. > > > > > > > Bah, automobiles are not ready for the unassisted novice - when is > someone going to design a car that is simple enough for a novice to > drive without any instruction??
We don't have a licensing scheme for computers like we do for cars because the incorrect operation of a computer is rarely fatal (barring *really* stupid things like poking a screwdriver into a live power supply). > The point I am trying to make is that cars and computers are highly > complex machines, and to use them effectively you need training and > practice. How many people do you know that buy a tool for $2000-$3000, > don't read the instructions or take a training course & end up throwing > the tool out six months later? I bet none. How many people buy a > computer and give up on it in six months because they still can't work > it, I know of many. > Why should computers have to be any more user friendly than other > devices that are just as complex? I don't need to know anything about electric motors and coolant to use my fridge. I know very little about how radio signals are encoded and decoded, or about CDDA and lasers and stuff, but the stereo hides all that complexity from me. I'm not saying we should do away with general purpose computers - just that they're inappropriate for many users who only require a fraction of the functionality. A set-top box would be ideal for those who only need to browse web pages, send and recieve email and create/edit the occassional document. We're geeks. The set-top idea is not for us. That doesn't it's not good for others. I like to drive a manual, and I like to have rpm, battery voltage and oil pressure meters on my dashboard. Others prefer an automatic with idiot lights. Yuri -- ** WARNING to mailing list repliers ** Gmail over-rides "Reply-To:" field. Check your "To:" address before sending reply to this post.
