> Actually, I think you hit the nail on the head with those last two > paragraphs. Linux isn't inherently harder to use for "Average Joe" (who > doesn't isntall his own OS or most of his software anyway), it's just > *different*, and that scares Joe. > > --MonMotha
I don't think this is true at all. I have never needed help for ANYTHING in windows. On the other hand, anything I attempt in linux usually takes several days, I ask for help, then it fails anyway. "The problem is, people think they are smart enough to install and configure their own computer. When they realize this isn't true, they question why doesn't the software engineers design easier to use software, as if that was the problem to begin with. " The thing is, I'm not a stupid user or anything. I have never had real problems installing programs in windows. If ever I did, the product was not worthwhile anyway. Only about 1:5 times when I try to compile something in linux does it come out correctly. Then even with RPMs, they often complain about obscure library dependencies. An RPM says it needs libsoq.so.12, then I look for soq in the rpms, and nothing similar exists. In windows, its double click the install file, next, next, next, finish. There is nothing easier. It is obvious that most of the time linux is quite a bit harder to get things installed on. Windows doesn't require that the user remember anything. Do you really think most of the world moved away from the command line by pure chance? No, it allows you to manipulate files and etc. without learning or remembering any commands. Now the linux community can sit around and think that everyone but themselves are stupid and learn the command line interface, but if they really want anyone else to learn linux, the way to do it is to make it easier, not to try to convince everyone to work harder. An install shield type of program, more gui menus, and other such things would help considerably. Command line interfaces are for system administrators and programmers. They are good for people who are really into their systems. However, they are not for average people who just want to install and uninstall programs. Look at MacOSX. The command prompt is there for people who really like to type in commands, but the GUI is done so well that the average mac user doesn't even know or need to know that the terminal is available. Now maybe you're one of those people who says, "Linux is fine the way it is, and putting menus and making it easier would just make it for stupid people. I'm glad that my friends and I are the only people smart enough to use linux, because other people would get in the way," but if you're the type who says, "I wish other people used linux. That would make society better," then you can't expect people to say, "Hey, if I could learn to use vi and type in commands, my life would be much better." -Eric Hattemer
