Re: Desktop Linux? Where is it hiding? Is this group a joke or something?

lqualig_at_uku.co.uk
Date: 05/28/05 

Date: 28 May 2005 07:44:02 -0700

You made some very good points. But you're completely off base with
this one...

>Wrong. Users should know everything about how the OS works,
> about how the programs they use interface. This way, they can
> actually use the system competently, and troubleshoot their problems.
> Computers should NOT be black boxes.

The first sentence would be better phrased - "Computer geeks want to
know everything about how the OS works..."

"Users" are the average Joe in this country. They want to start their
computer and check email, surf the web a bit, write some letters, pay
their bills and play a game or two. Sales and Marketing types need to
use spreadsheets and create powerpoint presentations. Doctors want to
access medical information. Etc, etc, etc.

The average doctor, mechanic, mom, pilot, cop, etc DOES want the
computer to be a black box. They could care less to "know everything
about how the OS works." I'd estimate that over 95% of computer users
in this world have zero inclination to learn everything about how their
OS works. They just need to use a computer to get their work done.

If the selling point of Linux to these people is - "With Linux you'll
get to learn everything there is to know about operating systems" then
people will run, not walk, away from you.

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