On 1999-05-28 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <Or Botton> said:
>>Even toasters break down. So far, computers aren't so cheap that
>>if one stops "toasting", you toss it in the garbage and buy
>>another one without bothering to see if you can fix it. A
>>society that prefers its children to use and trash instead of
>>learn and build will be used and trashed by its children.
>It IS bad, but thats how it is today. Went you go to a tech to fix
>a computer, they usually prefer to take out the damaged part, trow
>it away, and replace it with a newer one. To most technitions the
>term "fixing" is same to "upgrading". But I cant really see how
>this is connected to easy-to-use computing interface.
A good understanding of a computer's hardware and how it is manipulated by
the commands of its operating system enables the user to practice good
maintenance habits, which will help the user to avoid needless damage to his
hardware and software and better cope with unexpected breakdowns.
An "easy-to-use" road map doesn't tell you much about what's under the hood
of your car and traffic conditions.
>Most "experts" prefer to use the CLI. And i'm sure that most of
>this list prefer CLI themselves. But the general idea is to also
>appeal to the typical "john doe" from #1. Why should a SurvPC
>attempt to appear such a person? Because if you'll ask me, I think
>that the interface is one of the last reasons for why such a person
>wouldnt use a SurvPC. After you proove him that yes, SurvPCs can
>run games, can run graphics, can run office utilities (not MS-Office
>ofcourse), and generaly run and perform on 66MHz what they do today
>in 350MHz, at half the price, they will ask if its easy to use.
>And as we know, they dont want to talk about CLI.
The "typical John Doe" is going to have to go to school and be expected to
do all of his homework like everyone else. Some will do better, some will
do worse. Computer skills will eventually be a common subject in school,
like reading and math. The challenge, then, is not making it "easier", but
making it a highly interesting and exciting subject that will reward the
student over and over with a sense of accomplishment and self confidence.
And this brings us back to the responsibility that rests upon parents and
educators to properly train their youths to have a healthy attitude toward
work.
>I know that "being correct is more important of being popular",
>but there is a chance to be both correct AND popular. Should it
>fails, we'll still be correct. So there is nothing to loose here.
Can you suggest a computer OS that is both popular and "correct"?
>By the way, when I say GUI I do not refer to an interface that will
>attempt to hide the computer from the user. The starting default
>will appear like #1, however an advanced user can select to
>"take out the protective layer" and do things the real way. So dont
>misunderstand me on this point.
That may well be. But remember that progress in computer skills -- and
their successful adaptation throughout all levels of society -- will result
only with the careful attention to proper teaching skills and computer
tools.
Jerry
Internet Montana
-*- Nothing's difficult after you've mastered it.
Net-Tamer V 1.11.2 - Registered
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