[NTLUG:Discuss] Open Source

[Greg Edwards]

> From: discuss-bounces at ntlug.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at ntlug.org] On
> Behalf Of Chris Cox

> 
> :)  The biggest problem is that people want something that
> is so easy that they don't have to think.... AND it needs
> to do whatever they want to do whenever they want to do it
> and however they want to do it.
> 

> 
> Of course, we know that the real answer is that most things
> can be supported with some config tweaks here or there... but
> that's where the unwashed get washed away.
> 

> 
> I'll admit, I do some significant setup work to give her
> the "perfect" desktop environment and I do a lot of testing
> before she gets it.  For example, I gave her a new laptop

Chris,

Unfortunately you've just made the case for NOT using Linux.  There are
about 3 million people in the US that use technology professionally.  Of
that number probably only a quarter of them are knowledgeable enough to
install Linux on a new computer.  Of that number you might be lucky to
find 25% who can do what you do.

With MS 75% of the users can stick the disk in and get it installed.
Heck, even my dad can add a new video card without having to know what a
command line is.  I have told him for years that MS is a poorly
engineered operating system.  He has said for years that even though he
has to reboot and it crashes, it's easy and it works for him.

Linux distributions have come a long way in the past 4-5 years.  I use
Mandriva, and for a workstation install on a clean system it has almost
reached an MS install simplicity level.  But, as on any Linux box, if
you need to replace your video card, you better know what you're doing.

I love Linux and my entire family loves it.  But they don't have to deal
with the nuts and bolts, or command line.  Linux will get there someday
soon, but it's not there yet.

--
Greg Edwards