It's a shame that this is only a single column. It docent' really
present the chance to properly cover all points. Any chance for a
multi-part piece?
I've seen hundreds of Win VS Linux write ups, the majority of the time,
the article (in general, not yours) doesn't present anything that makes
the reader, whom is not tech savvy, say "I'll give that a try". Most
people are simply computer "users" not geeks (or nerds or whatever).
You'll need to step down to their level to convince them to switch or to
at least give it a try. Selling GNU/Linux as an alternative to Windows
will make GNU/Linux just that, an alternative to Windows, not the
"ultimate upgrade" to Windows.
Experience tells me that unless the person is already a geek, or has geek
tendencies, the common comparison does little to convince them to give
GNU/Linux a try. Instead highlight the things that Windows DOESN'T have.
Like community. Like friendly, English speaking support from your
neighbors. Security. Stability. You get the idea.....
I don't mean to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I feel that any
opportunities to get the GNU word out should present GNU/Linux in terms
your mother could understand, and would make her realize that GNU/Linux is
better then Windows for reasons she understands, and then enable her to
get in contact with folks whom can help her switch...
Ya know?
/me puts on heatsuit
Gentlemen, light your flamethrowers.
~k
On Sun, 21 Dec 2008, Kevin Thorley wrote:
Nice Jacob, looks good! I think you may want to clarify or find
different example for the "Learning Curve" section though. In
"Compatibility", you talk about how good Linux is getting at detecting
peripherals such as printers, but in the previous section you say this
is where there is a learning curve. I have been pleasantly surprised
over the past year or so when introducing new peripherals to my Linux
(Fedora) laptop. These include printers, a scanner, and a USB headset
to use with a softphone. All were detected and worked perfectly.
This is something that (IMHO) should be highlighted even more in your
article, as this was often a major downfall of Linux in the past (I
lost many hours of sleep configuring printers on Linux just a few
years ago).
You might also want to mention the many tools available for multimedia
in Linux. Specifically, Banshee is a suitable replacement for iTunes,
though it doesn't (last time I checked) play songs purchased from
Apple that include DRM. Linux also provides great support for playing
DVDs, something that you often need to buy additional software/plugins
for in Windows. I think for many people using a computer at home,
audio and video apps are almost, if not more, important than
productivity apps.
Again, great job!
Kevin
