On Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 12:41:23 PM, Dan LaBine wrote: DL> Bryan Phinney wrote: >> People just want computers that work. Linux will never attract enough users >> unless it is more simple to use. ... If you cringe as I do everytime you >> read one of these statements you might be interested in this article, about >> why some of us are happy that Linux is not like Windows. If you have ever >> made one of the proceeding statements, you might be interested in a >> different >> point of view. >> >> http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
DL> HeHe! Let the call go out. Bring on the flame wars! Here we go folks! DL> Jeez Bryan, nothing like stirring the pot, huh? LOL! DL> Think I'll just duck and sit this one out. Probably a wise move. :-)) Since I recently suggested people would like computers that 'just work', it is probably addressed to the likes of me. :-) First, I agree that 'Linux is NOT Windows'. For me, there is a HUGE difference between wanting a computer that 'just works' and one that 'just works like Windows'. Unfortunately, this distinction is NOT made by the writer, who rants at length about people who want it to 'just works like Windows'. Also, I'll ignore his many false analogies to keep this brief. :-) Likewise the many advantages of attracting more linux users. Perhaps the key to understanding his point of view is "The 'typical' Linux user is a hobbyist." If a user installs a wireless card, and it 'just works', what fun is there in that? It is much better if it requires compiling a kernel, plus lots of additional tweaking and configuration. If the computer 'just works' then the hobbyist is deprived of his toy - not interesting at all. Sounds as though he is happiest when linux 'doesn't work'. :-)) But of course he probably has a particular definition for 'works' [hmmmm... he reminds me of BG :-)]. From this view comes much of the rest of the 'keep out' barriers toward Windows users, and the extolling of the CLI over the [yech] GUI. Making it easy would remove most of the fun. :-)) For him, the bigger the learning curve for linux, the better. Of course, in his definition of 'easy' he totally ignores the learning curve. In effect, he wants linux to be hard, not easy. :-) In his rant about the merits of vi, I had this flash of a large Bank of America office where all the secretaries are writing their documents in vi. Gave me a chuckle.... Also, his rant is misplaced. If he is so concerned about quality and functionality, he should go after the kat developers, who are putting most of the efforts into integration, and NOT in building a good SEARCH capability. I favor getting kat to be a good search tool first, then integrate it, just like the author says good linux people should do. Did anyone else on the list suggest this? See - not all Win -> linux newbies are so bad after all. :-)) Nevertheless, on this list, I'll probably have to hide out for making the above comments. :-) Some, of course, will be offended and will no longer offer help, but that's another OT story.... -- rikona mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________________ Want to buy your Pack or Services from Mandriva? Go to http://store.mandriva.com Join the Club : http://www.mandrivaclub.com ____________________________________________________
