Star Desktop Linux for the Home: How and Why?
Linked by John Munsch on Mon 30th Dec 2002 19:05 UTC
Linux 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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kelly
by uh huh on Tue 31st Dec 2002 01:36 UTC

i appreciate your point on your folks being able to accomplish all those basic but nifty (for the masses) tasks.

but i don't think your parents represent the majority.

i've done so much consulting work for soho users that i'm inclined to stick with the belief that most users are dumber then sticks when it comes to computers.

sure i'll find a guy who installed his own printer, and setup his mp3 mobile device.

i also cleaned off 3 trojans, removed at least two spyware executables, deactived about FIFTY items running in the tray...removed a proxy that he had somehow been added to, removed bugbear, and disabled microsoft client/server services.

this is not a way for me to defend linux or anything.

i do in part agree that out of the box, xp might be easier for most.

so basically linux is still out of reach for those who can't setup stuff.

but i've setup my aunt and uncle with debian.

i did all the configuration for them.

they can:

1. surf the web and send email, spam & ad free. (showed them how to enable/disable popups)

2. access the games that are on the system, i.e. gltron, tuxracer, minesweeper, all the card games etc. installed a few extra for the kids.

3. rip CDs and make mp3s

4. type of txt documents, spread sheets

5. burn CDs

basically...after i was done with it...i put all their icons on the task bar, and ran them through all the stuff.

they are quite happy, and the machine was very stable and problem free.

no ads, no viruses, no trojans, their 2 gigahertz machine actually runs like a 2 gigahertz machine because they are not inundated with bullshit. no websites can take over their desktop.

Yes it did take some work on my part...but i've imaged their system partitions...so that if it gets jacked, i just restore the image.

is linux for diy and out of the box?

no.

but i see the potential...it's there. a couple more years will go buy and things will be better...not worse.

i'm not even sure if anyone should be in a hurry or rushed.

xp works for most...but there is a great alternative for some.