[EMAIL PROTECTED] said:
> *** There is one thing that I see regularly come back and which I
> really don't understand: Where does this urge come from for some
> people to try to make everything accessible to Joe Sixpack!? Why is
> that part of the total world population always the one who is used as
> an example and why is everybody tring to serve him?
And even after more than 20 years as a systems engineer I find the hostility
to the admittedly limited capabilities of the non-technical user rather
astounding.
> Everybody is constantly complaining about Windows 95 and then
> proposing to make Linux go the same way. I don't see any logic in
> this. If people proposing this are really concerned with the home
> computer market, try rather to push the Mac for home use if you want
> to help Mr & Mrs. Sixpack.
If what these people were proposing was to "dumb down" linux, curb the
capabilities and features, and remove configuration options that the Unix
world has come to depend on, I'd agree with you completely. But most of them
aren't suggesting that at all. They're suggesting a combination of improved
system tools and a simplified desktop that make dealing with Linux/Unix easier
for the techno-nonsophisticate.
Improved system administration tools and hardware recognition would benefit
all of us, without regard to our level of expertise. Of course, if you define
your personality by your ability to memorize the minute details of where each
distribution keeps all relevant configuration files and the technical details
of every piece of hardware in your system, that's a comment on your life.
A simplistic overlay on a Unix/Linux system hurts no-one, and benefits a large
number of people.
The ability to turn on a computer and simply use it as a tool to get a job
done is desirable. Microsoft has attempted to achieve this by putting a
simple interface on a crippled, bug-ridden, woefully inadequate operating
system. These people want to put a simple interface and improved installation
tools around a capable, effective, and unfettered operating system. Unless
you want to retain exclusivity to polish your ego, what's the problem?
Best
rickf
--
Rick Forrister <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
You'll wonder why your data's lost
When you load your system with MicroSoft...
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