I don't understand why Linux has to be literally *AS EASY AS WINDOWS* before it can make ANY ground on the desktop market. It's not as if windows is the limit of Really Hard Computing for 90% or even 20% of computer users.
They could cope with something just a little bit harder, give them SOME credit.
To gain ground on the desktop market, I really don't think that Linux has to be dumbed down to the level of Windows before people can use it in the main stream.
The only reason why people wouldn't, is because they are used to windows.
So what's to stop, for example, schoolkids from learning Linux instead of Windows?
When I was in school we all used RISC OS..
I build my own computer because I get a better product for my money and it is more stable...
I don't consider those who purchase off the shelf computers to do so because they are lazy. They aren't interesting in building their own computers because most of them already have enough activities in their life. Linux will not make any impact on the desktop until it is as easy to install and use as Windows. It's reality. (Business is another matter, because there are people there paid to administer the automation and because multiple systems see a monetary savings to the business owner who will adopt freeware.) No amount of zeal and sermons from the true believers will change that. I have no doubt that Linux is an excellent OS and more secure than Windows. I just don't have time in my life for another hobby. With that said, I have great respect for all those who are working to make Linux ready for the home user who does not wish to devote a lot of time to it.
I agree with you 100% Leo, and I didn't mean that people who buy off the shelf are lazy. I was talking primarity about the customers I have to deal with at work (they are commercial users of the product)
They're used to Windows and don't want or have time to learn another OS. I understand them completely. If it weren't for my job I probably wouldn't have taken the time to learn about Linux. I build all my own PC's as well because just as you said we can get a more stable product for a lot less $$ whether we're using Windows or Linux.
Comments
They could cope with something just a little bit harder, give them SOME credit.
To gain ground on the desktop market, I really don't think that Linux has to be dumbed down to the level of Windows before people can use it in the main stream.
The only reason why people wouldn't, is because they are used to windows.
So what's to stop, for example, schoolkids from learning Linux instead of Windows?
When I was in school we all used RISC OS..
I agree with you 100% Leo, and I didn't mean that people who buy off the shelf are lazy. I was talking primarity about the customers I have to deal with at work (they are commercial users of the product)
They're used to Windows and don't want or have time to learn another OS. I understand them completely. If it weren't for my job I probably wouldn't have taken the time to learn about Linux. I build all my own PC's as well because just as you said we can get a more stable product for a lot less $$ whether we're using Windows or Linux.