Linked by John Munsch on Mon 30th Dec 2002 19:05 UTC
Why do it? I am asked this question more often than I expected, even by existing Linux users who I expected to know as well as I the reasons for building a next-generation desktop Linux for the home user. So here are some of my reasons for thinking that we must spend the effort to create a better desktop on Linux than any existing version now has. Editor's Note: Due to a technical glitch, the first segment of this article was ommitted for some readers. If you missed the "why" section, before, you can read it now.
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FH: <em>> The PC is increasing viewed as just another entertainment device -- like a DVD player.</em>
Well, view it as you will, a PC is a general-purpose numerical computation machine. Appliences are available to those who want them. But let us not distort one thing because some people want it to be an entirely different thing. Each device for its purpose: A DVD player or `web applience' for brainless entertainment, a PC for what will you, but the core design of PC operation should not be mutilated for people who are wanting to use it without proper training or time.
FH: <em>> Actually, yes we do, at least with very little training. The only thing we expect someone to do when driving a car is to drive it, fill it with gas, and maybe change the oil. Everything else is handled for them. Tell me, do you know how to manufacture gasoline or refine oil? No?</em>
I'm not asking for kernel hacking here. But I do want them to know that red means stop, green means go, don't drive in a turn lane, use the correct gear for the terrian, etc. These things they learn in a class and prove they know with a test. I will not redesign the road system so that any idiot who's never touched a car before can hop in, press a button at random, and suddonly by swept away to wherever he wants to go. That's just silly.