Linked by Ben Mazer on Mon 26th Jan 2004 19:52 UTC
Lately, there has been a "Why linux isn't ready for the desktop" article every 3 days. Most of the time, these articles originate from a lack of understanding or acceptance of the open source system. I'd like to try to address some of the common arguments against linux here, and try to help people understand why linux probably won't be on your desktop for a while.
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I don't have time to proofread, so I apologize in advance for any typos:
On ease of use ...
I've heard people say "Well, Linux isn't any harder to use, just different. If people learned Windows, why can't they learn Linux?" It seems to me that the way most people 'learn' Windows is to call up a friend, family member, or somebody who 'knows computers' to come to their house and fix/teach them whatever it is they want to know or whatever they need fixed. This isn't really an option in Linux for most people. If people won't use Google to learn about Windows and fix problems, why do you suppose they would do so with Linux? If my family or less computer-literate friends have problems with Windows (and they often do), they don't conult books or fire up Google, they call me.
On speed
In my experience, the default install of Windows is rather bloated as well, but you often hear people saying, "If you just turn off unneeded services, windows flies!". Please take this attitude with linux as well, to be fair.
Look here:
http://www.monroeworld.com/pchelp/xptweaks.php
Show me a similar article that will allow me to tweak Linux and/or KDE/Gnome in the same manner.
On hardware
If you want proof, it comes with your new hardware. Windows probably won't support your brand new video card at a decent resolution, or it might not even recognize your sound card. Windows simply doesn't ship with enough drivers, so you are forced to use a CD.
Oh my God ... are you telling me that I might actually have to INSERT A CD when prompted? That's terrible! But tell me, what's the alternative in Linux when the kernel doesn't recognize a piece of hardware? NONE of my hardware devices (except NICs) have come with a Linux driver on the CD.
On hardware
I know what you're thinking. "But {insert expensive proprietary app} isn't available!" Well then, Complain! Write to that company, and ask them to port the software. They won't port it unless they know people care.
Why? I'm already using an OS that runs all the apps I need just fine.