Re: Linux vs Microsoft

Gerhard Mack (gmack@imag.net)
Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:09:44 -0700 (PDT)


>
> With all due respect, Mr. Cox, your "average user" definition does need an
> upgrade.
>
> Not all "average users" are nincompoops. I have seen many "average users"
> successfully installed Windoze 95 on their machine themselves. They are not
> "gurus" or "wizards" of any kind, and most of them don't know enough to code up
> a working C or even Visual-Basic program.
>
> Ask the same "average users" to install Linux however, and most will throw up
> their hands.
>
> The level of difficulty to install Windoze from scratch and that of installing
> Linux is _not_ the same. It _does_ require a higher level of computer literacy
> for a successful Linux installation (even with the RedHat's almost no-brain
> installation process.)
>

Hmmm ever try to install windows on a PnP machine ?
Due to the number of cleanups and repairs I have done on windows boxes, I
would have to agree with Alan, the average user is not capable of
installing windows under anything but optimal conditions. (no more then 1
PnP device) It's not that their stupid, it's just that the process looks
easy, when it's not. It's the same reason I dislike windows look-alike
bios interfaces, because once again it's deceptive, makes those hd setting
look like a toy. I preferred it when it looked hard because then the
users would at least ask first before playing with stuff. (saving me
plenty of time that would be wasted fixing it)

On the other hand with Linux there is that constant line from MS that Unix
is hard to use and uses an obsolete text based interface etc etc. They
expect it to be hard therefore it is[1]. I've noticed consistent
improvements
from red hat for the install process, but I suspect they will actually have
to be *easier* then windows to install before people will actually believe
it's doable.

The real improvement would be when we see the mainstream computer
manufacturers offer pre-installed Linux.

Gerhard

1 I don't think lack of computer ability makes one stupid just untrained
I've met very few people incapable of learning at least a working
knowledge of windows or Linux when taught correctly.

2 I find when people think it will be hard they tend to miss the obvious.
"no it can't be what it looks like that would be too simple" (yes I've
seen it)

--
Gerhard Mack

gmack@imag.net InnerFIRE@starchat.net

As a computer I find your faith in technology amusing.

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