Re: [OT] Something Newbies Should Know

Rich Leitner wrote:

No need to say "Sorry" for your remarks about my being /entirely/ wrong,
Christopher, since you obviously didn't read my post very carefully.

I won't, then! Actually, re-reading your post made me reconsider my reply,
which was dashed off rather hastily, I'll grant you.

Virtually every Windows user has had to re-install Windows from the
ground up (or have someone do it for them), since it rarely runs
faultlessly for any length of time, hardware failures aside.

The "average" Windows user /never/ installs Windows. Their installation
becomes ever flakier until it finally falls over. It's at this point that
they go to their local "computer repair centre" and get robbed for what
should be a simple operation!

You're
right about reinstalling it ... endless reboots and driver installations
are not nearly as smooth as a Linux install (as long as the hardware is
supported, and most is).

Recent testing with current distros found virtually /no/ hardware that
wasn't catered for - even some of the more obscure wi-fi cards are now
handled successfully.

It's the installation of software that does NOT come included with your
distro where you find an example of an area where Linux is 'harder' than
windows. If the software is available at a repository, yum or apt or
some similar installer make it easier for sure, but it's still not like
a Win32.exe (most of which work quite well).

If you're using a mainstream distro, and most people are, the distro's own
repository will almost certainly have a ready-to-run version of the
software you're looking for. The old days of fighting dependencies are
largely gone.

The numerous steps involved
editing configuration files to include new repositories, downloading
keys, solving dependencies, certainly don't compare to a 'double click'
of the installer.

In almost all cases, modern distros /do/ install software with "just a
double-click".

I'm not defending Windows, as I hear that Vista has
complicated things even further. And if your desired software isn't
available at a repository ... well we're all able to compile and install
(or we're willing to learn), but please don't say that's 'easier' than
Windows.

My experience with recent distros, and with recent Linux adopters like some
of my neighbours, is that installation of software /is/ easier than
Windows. They also like the price differential!

And if you're considering telling me if I "don't like it, go
back to Windows", please don't ... I work hard to solve these problems
because I think Linux is 'worth it'; the software, once installed, is
rock solid, help is available if you're willing to look, and the price
is certainly right.

I wouldn't dream of it. I just think that your criticism is unfounded today
- it /was/ true three or four years ago, but the advent of Ubuntu has set a
new marker for ease of use and maintenance.

Though I thought your tone somewhat rude, I do agree with some of your
points

My tone was probably forceful, rather than rude - if you were offended, then
I apologise. It might be that we're "two peoples divided by the "same"
language"!

... M$ is scared (the current threats of patent lawsuits is
evidence). But let's face it ... average Joes are a long way off from
ditching Windows for Linux.

Not 'round here! My local pub gives away Linux beermats - Ubuntu discs to
take home. In this street of roughly 70 dwellings in North London, there
are only two Windows installations - /I/ have one of them for testing
ported software, and the other is a kid a few doors along who just wants to
play games. /All/ the rest of the home computers are either running Linux
or Mac. This is /not/ my influence, either! It's just the way that things
are going over here.

I think they're closer to ditching Windows
for the Mac, though! And I found your comment that Bill Gates 'sold' his
shares of Microsoft 'years ago' quite laughable ... I doubt he could
sell off his entire stake in the company in a single lifetime unless he
was willing to see the price plummet the day he sold.

A little research would demonstrate that Bill G ceased being the major
shareholder in early 2002, and has progressively divested himself of all
his stock. Other major players in the corporation have done the same
thing. Any share sales are invariably snapped up by the big "mutual funds"
and the like, thereby maintaining the price - and in some instances causing
a marginal rise as institutional buyers always follow trends...

The rats /are/ leaving the sinking ship!

And your remark
about Dell shipping Linux machines in "huge quantities"; exactly how
many is that compared to their current Windows sales? Don't get me wrong
... I hope they sell more Linux machines than Windows machines, but I'm
not holding my breath.

They're unwilling to reveal figures, but other companies offering Linux
pre-installs are selling as little as 45% Windows-only. Many are also
offering dual-boots, of course.

My purpose in posting wasn't to invite flamers to attack my comments; I
simply wanted to thank sk8-365 for taking the time to post his excellent
commentary, and to reinforce some of the points therein. It's certainly
your right to disagree, but before you call me /entirely/ wrong, you
should really /entirely/ read and understand my post ... especially the
'for most households' comment.

Once again, I didn't meant to sound intemperate...

My point is that 'most' computer users
have to make more of an effort to effectively utilize Linux than they do
for Windows ... and I still stand by that point.

I still think you're wrong - current distros are really easy to install, add
to and maintain. My wife (who doesn't pretend to have any great knowledge
of computing) has no difficulty whatsoever in fully using her
Ubuntu-installed Sony Vaio laptop!

Regards

C.

.

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