Re: Explaining Linux

[Jim Jackson <nospam [at] scs.leeds.ac.uk>]

On Tue, 29 Feb 2000, R.A.Fletcher wrote:

> My friends and I have been talking lately about Linux, and it has 
> lead to some pretty heated debates. Simply put, they have never 
> used linux, they are used to Windows and see no reason why they 
> should change, and hence anyone else like them. They presume 
> that Linux only has advantages for the technically minded and will 
> be useless to the average user. They accuse Linux of being harder 
> to use, having less software and being less dependable as, since 
> its free, there is no accountability like there is with Micro$ofts 
> products.

In reverse order...

Accountability???? Wow when was the last time you heard of a humble home
user reporting a bug to microsoft and getting it fixed? Come to that when
was the last time you heard of someone with a software maint. contract
getting a fix :-) Yes it happens (I believe) but it's not often. And have
you actually READ the terms of the license....

less software....

guilty, but improving

harder to use....

yes. 

<ASBESTOS_CLOTHING>

IMHO this is a good thing. WAPs, intelligent TVs etc will provide for the
"don't want to know there's a computer there" brigade. Those who want a
bit more, SHOULD know a bit more, and a little difficulty aids the genuine
acquiring of knowledge.

</ASBESTOS_CLOTHING>

Just my opinion.

Jim



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