Re: Linux is Windows ??

On Tue, 16 May 2006 18:14:02 -0400, Dennis wrote:

Why does Linux have to be the same ??

Well, it certainly isn't and it certainly doesn't have to be.

I suppose it is because x86 PCs are more common than Apples, and
typically, Linux evangelism occurs on discarded x86 PCs which previously
had Windows installed, thus the end user prolly had more Windows than Mac
experience, thus they expect to see an environment as much like Windows as
possible.

I have installed Linux for a number of non-expert users. The ones who
have less Windows (or, in fact, any computer experience at all) seem to do
better initially because they have less to unlearn. But they all catch up
pretty quick.

What sticks in my craw is how strong the perception that Linux is "hard"
to use. It certainly is no harder to use than Windows. I have first hand
experience of people sitting down and just getting right to work (on
KDE/Linux desktops (well, Gnome, too)), with little or no instruction
necessary.

Admittedly, there are some things that are harder, but those are usually
related to lack of hardware drivers, as the OP mentioned in an earlier
post. Hardware typically comes with a CD of windows (and maybe Mac)
drivers. The thing is, in my experience, Hardware for which Linux has a
driver is actually *easier* to use on Linux than Windows. But if there is
no Linux driver, well, that's another story entirely.

I could go on, but why bother? Back to work, Jeff!

--
JDS | jeffrey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
| http://www.newtnotes.com
DJMBS | http://newtnotes.com/doctor-jeff-master-brainsurgeon/

.

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