[Tfug] ubuntu (troll?)

[sitkaa at email.arizona.edu]

This entire thread started with a consideration of why there aren't 
more people
using linux. Huh. Hmmmm.

You are right, I have become a cynic. I have wanted to use linux for 
years, and
it hasn't happened because:

1. windows is just too ubiquitous,
2. the need to run programs that are unavailable in linux (for instance 
Adobe's
CS3 suite or ESRI's ARC GIS)
3. the first hurdle of linux (the need to dual boot) has stumped me,
4. and driver issues.

But I should be abit more positive perhaps, facing so much work can affect my
outlook on things.

Not that I am expert on such things, but if you like you may indulge my
postulation on what linux needs...
1. drivers that work without question - there has been remarkable efforts in
this arena, but there is still far to go, not because of the linux crew, but
primarily because the electronics industry doesn't contribute much to 
the linux
effort. Perhaps devices need to be linux certified, or even better, 
designed for
linux. The argument that there isn't the market for this doesn't hold 
water. The
market will come.
2. a single Complete base linux which serves as the core upon which other
distributions are built, similar to the approach of the bsd's, but with one
single core line. Again, some distro's are attempting to fit this 
ideal, Debian
for instance.

The next suggestions speak more to the theories of social engineering. 
You see,
windows and linux and OSX are part of our society's infocom system. Infocom
systems are perhaps the most fundamental system of any society. This is why I
have been rooting for linux all this time. A free and open infocom system is
fundamental to a free and open society. Although I do feel that the 
open source
model is the best one for an infocom system, it would seem that the 
free (as in
beer) model of software development just isn't cutting it, unfortunately.
Hence:
3. Support for the software's development by the community or government which
uses it. We may be seeing this implemented in China.

Of course, linux started out fundamentally designed better than 
windows, et al.
It is in the implementation of the software development that it has fallen
down.

But then agin, maybe I know nothing.

m


Quoting Malcolm Schmerl <mjs355 at comcast.net>:

> Andrew Ayre wrote:
>> Saying:
>>
>> "Because such simplicity is abhorent to many techies, I really doubt
>> linux is going anywhere. It is a lost cause."
>>
>> Is either a statement with no basic research and understanding, or is a
>> statement designed to make people irritated (i.e. trolling).
>>
>> Which is it?
>>
>> Andy
>>
>> sitkaa at email.arizona.edu wrote:
>>
>>> I don't consider myself a troll. actually, if you knew me, you 
>>> would thik that
>>> is funny. That you see my feedback as trolling only exemplifies my
>>> point: there
>>> is a bridgable divide between the technically inclined and the 
>>> not-so. It is unlikely that this bridge will ever be more than a 
>>> footbridge swaying in the
>>> wind simply because techies couldn't give a hoot about making linux simple.
>>>
> If you didn't have such a negative attitude, you'd probably find all the
> help you need to set up a Linux system. I've helped people with
> absolutely zero tech skills and they couldn't be happier. The Linux
> distro I'm most familiar with is Ubuntu and at this point, it would be
> hard to make it much simpler. True, it has its differences from Windows,
> but more difficult? I don't think so. Some time, just try to figure out
> a blue screen problem with Windows. That would make you appreciate Linux
> stability.
>>> I agree I could take some courses so I could figure out to use the 
>>> operating
>>> system. All I really want to do is use the computer for simple things like
>>> office stuff
> Openoffice.org works just as well as MS office for almost everything and
> the price is certainly right. I comes with Ubuntu, and you don't need a
> course to use it.
>>> , connecting to the internet
> No problem unless you're using a telephone line, then you'll need to get
> an external modem. Firefox is a perfectly good browser and, as Jim
> mentioned, malware is no longer a problem.
>>> , organizing and storing files, and
>>> maybe listening to some internet-based music.
> I made an enviable sound system with my Ubuntu system. All my CDs are on
> the harddrive. Right now I'm listening to a wonderful internet music
> station, www.pandorasbox.com. I also have handpicked playlists of 75
> songs created at www.projectplaylist.com.
>>>  Does taking a class at Pima
>>> College (it is cheaper then the University) seem like an awful lot 
>>> of work to
>>> anyone besides me? I not, then I suppose I am a troll.
>>>
>>>
>>> Grrrrrrr!
>>> Michael
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> you people can't grasp
>>>> just how
>>>> stupid and lazy I am.
> You said it, not me.
>
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