Re: Linux is not...

From: Tommi Jensen (tommi_at_nee.dk)
Date: 06/25/05 

Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 02:12:39 +0200

Ed Cregger wrote:

> ***I can speak for a majority of users that just want the computer to work
> and do what the installed programs require. This is not rocket science these
> days. Used to be and with the small systems and little precious memory,
> decisions by the operator had to be made, but not today. I don't want to
> hear about IRQ's. The OS should handle that without requiring my attention.
> Same with USB connected devices. Why bother me? I have work to do.
See, here's part of the problem. You want features, such as USB
connectivity - that means handling misc USB devices and types, that
requires extra programming where there's room for additional errors. You
wouldn't expect your microwave oven to handle an USB modem, much less an
USB webcam, would you?
To honour today's starwars theme:

Features leads to complexity, complexity leads to bloat, bloat leads to
the dark side.

If you want it to just work(tm) - don't expect the features of the PC,
which is why the PC has so many issues.

> ***The fact that viruses are finding a way into my computer IS the problem.
> Same with hackers, trojan horses, worms, etc. Close down the ports that
> Windows provides for stealing user data to sell to their colleagues. These
> do not benefit the end user. Anti-virus/hacker/firewalls should be part of
> the OS and constantly updated. I should not even be aware of its existence
> as an end user. If I have to give up the flashing whirly-gigs on my screen,
> so be it.
No. No. No. No.
Stability and security won't be accomplished by that. Seeing as you're
talking extremes, I'll allow me to compare that to soaking up water
instead of turning off the tap.

If you want security and stability like you're talking about, you're
about limited to these choices:

1) KISS, i.e. make sure the device you're using is doing -ONLY- what
it's supposed to do. no whiz-bangs, no features, no nothing. If it's
designed to do word processing, so be it. and make sure it's a simple
one, like RTF.

2) Read only program execution environment - nobody, not even the owner
of the device can install -ANYTHING- on it. like with your microwave.

Either way - you're neutered.

> ***Truthfully, I am looking for something well past the ones that you have
> mentioned. I want a major paradigm shift in how the PC is presented to end
> users. I want the OS loaded into an EPROM, with no access to the outside
> other than by the OS manufacturer. I want the OS manufacturer to be
> responsible for data loss/corruption due to their incompetence. If someone
> breaks in to my computer, it should be the responsibility of the OS
> manufacturer to fix it/compensate me for the inconvenience. My computers are
> tools that I cannot get along without. It is time that they be constructed
> in a fashion that favors serious business usage and not just a toy for the
> teenager to play with.
Do you honestly believe that with today's pc market and unfortunate
standards in business like the much-dreaded powerpoint, microsoft word,
excel etc functionality can be achieved on a platform like that?
particularly if you consider how often Microsoft changes those
standards? Seeing as you can't update the EPROM - how will get keep up?
buy a new device?
The world sucks, face it.

>
> ***The only reason that our systems are more complicated than those I
> mentioned previously is because they are set up to milk us of personal data
> on the fly for the benefit of themselves and their compatriots AND they are
> set up so that the OS/accessory manufacturers can constantly stick their
> fingers into our pockets. This will continue until we force the change.
Honestly - while you -do- have a valid point on most of your other
statements, them being utopia or not. this one doesn't. I'd advise you
to not use it again if you're to be taken serious.
1) What corporation wouldn't want to milk their customers?
2) You believe they chose to implement things poorly, so that third
party asshats can make a profit at making them look bad?
3) Who's going to be in on the conspiracy next time? Al-Queda?

> ***Tiger Direct has a PDA with a keyboard that comes close to doing what I
> want. Unfortunately, it lacks wireless capability and USB ports. Not bad for
> $119. Since all of the software is burned into PROMs, no one online could
> mess with it, including the operating system. For many of my business uses,
> this would be the perfect machine.
Again - Features are bad.

> Yes, I do like having computers that are traditional for gaming, net
> cruising, etc., but there are times when something simple, with a real
> keyboard, would excel in my day-to-day business operations.
I'm sure you can find a typewriter with an memory-buffer that can hook
up to a fax.
I'm also sure you can find a calculator capable of doing spreadsheets in
the same manner as the above stated typewriter.

> Thank you for the polite and informative conversation.
Likewise.

/Tommi

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